tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64185659048156529102024-03-15T21:11:17.665-04:00Camera CrazyOut & About with GailGail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.comBlogger2071125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-56661288646863645512024-03-15T11:09:00.010-04:002024-03-15T11:51:56.512-04:00So This is Springtime<p>We are home this morning because it is storming outdoors, or at least what passes for a storm here in the mountains. Rather than the furious rain and done type we are accustomed to in Orlando, here it drizzles, rains hard for a minute and goes back to drizzling for hours at a time. Unlike some storms since we have been here, this one has been accompanied by booming thunder and lightening which seems to echo off the mountains. I'm digging it, however, I sure hope it does not disrupt the copious amount of blossoms that are sprouting, seemingly overnight. Sometime in the past, Bradford Pear trees, back when they were considered a perfect tree for community planting, were planted along Hiwassee Street to honor maybe veterans? I'm not entirely sure on the details, but nonetheless, they are a striking feature as you head into town. Along a curved road that borders the river of the same name, for months on end they were merely sticks in the air. And then, one day they were not.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggVQP4PelUwvkHiMuhx5Z_dxNiO4_oLvtawkgs7__gFF7XQM-pXHtpuv93Q0uzuo_wUeSUfPP7Ua65z57DwnpwgA1d4YSrlLbDa-f9nLTkuZ2Bg5ymFfLeREc0imP_JAy7UMSlJKlPDbOPVjxd0frB3s_NkP_GIKlKYiwNvf_FGXTcxUdGx4xhHmnSyG0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2938" data-original-width="5184" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggVQP4PelUwvkHiMuhx5Z_dxNiO4_oLvtawkgs7__gFF7XQM-pXHtpuv93Q0uzuo_wUeSUfPP7Ua65z57DwnpwgA1d4YSrlLbDa-f9nLTkuZ2Bg5ymFfLeREc0imP_JAy7UMSlJKlPDbOPVjxd0frB3s_NkP_GIKlKYiwNvf_FGXTcxUdGx4xhHmnSyG0" width="640" /></a></div>While they look marvelous in their summer green, they look exceptional in the spring white! This is only about a third of said trees but they are not the only ones in town that are blooming like mad. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4aHTCS_xyKyAUfIicBCqZGQusTsuEWIBxtaB9HmCV78zNlwwws9o2R9STA-4--n0Jkt650eBKesbzfJseVdLTx5BFyBTnC5KWH3pQv9-axX_AQYzHi-Yq_GHmH_My4--kN-zYBTmjh3GXM1jNBUoy6COZs-v2AyNrJEh2KoYl51WBTnoP5EXikfJ0S9M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4aHTCS_xyKyAUfIicBCqZGQusTsuEWIBxtaB9HmCV78zNlwwws9o2R9STA-4--n0Jkt650eBKesbzfJseVdLTx5BFyBTnC5KWH3pQv9-axX_AQYzHi-Yq_GHmH_My4--kN-zYBTmjh3GXM1jNBUoy6COZs-v2AyNrJEh2KoYl51WBTnoP5EXikfJ0S9M=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>As you can imagine, I am going crazy. Pictured above is a huge white Magnolia tree, unfortunately planted alongside a park storage area, as are the four pink Magnolias jammed up beside the white one. Talk about full of blooms! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcP4GuMfV2pXSI7DoWL80rHAIIdrOloVU9GCkcyNj6_aEzfBqm6PjbTePFZejuzW6merELQmLErOoDeNuPBOGKXXWQRPvv3eV-R08fip6dxQhrOrBoq0gCGQ1Lm3qf3i3NvNeQNVfjtOCk2-QRqMlI-X0dxs7lCvDpR8AJjDMl-75YSC89fy2MSW8o7ng" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcP4GuMfV2pXSI7DoWL80rHAIIdrOloVU9GCkcyNj6_aEzfBqm6PjbTePFZejuzW6merELQmLErOoDeNuPBOGKXXWQRPvv3eV-R08fip6dxQhrOrBoq0gCGQ1Lm3qf3i3NvNeQNVfjtOCk2-QRqMlI-X0dxs7lCvDpR8AJjDMl-75YSC89fy2MSW8o7ng=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>And to think this beauty came from this.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6LMOc_XioSMVeZJttItGhSKL1ZeliGvR4AD-XLfoTHmwgPFPDDEDhh8qsuSzZrv6vKU06TY539rYFCeEYPMEa7JUhR9Y_Dnwl9fJgTN7Y_qTaFkyn4IMNddcrBObw-22tEUsVsvoHdphjF_1IZrkRTQzdW5Ho36LrJWkHmSK6B-cWYQu0F6pf4T4GbF4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6LMOc_XioSMVeZJttItGhSKL1ZeliGvR4AD-XLfoTHmwgPFPDDEDhh8qsuSzZrv6vKU06TY539rYFCeEYPMEa7JUhR9Y_Dnwl9fJgTN7Y_qTaFkyn4IMNddcrBObw-22tEUsVsvoHdphjF_1IZrkRTQzdW5Ho36LrJWkHmSK6B-cWYQu0F6pf4T4GbF4=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>A few weeks ago while rambling in the park, I came across the buds and thought it would be fun to see what happened next. What happened next proved to be glorious, didn't it? <p></p><p>Over the years, and I suspect you've seen the same, someone will show a photo of the same tree in all seasons which I have always thought was neat. Having witnessed it in person I now think it is marvelous. The colors, after months of grey or brown are just unreal. An example is this pictured Forsythia plant, one of dozens I have seen blooming all over town. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9gfszuRPdU0M7PSFerJa3Xky1zipg7wnQ99LsMGedmJlg_4LGnAcJKrcnU8libahh8k3GH1iGwSDjn97x2AUTbO2Mcp6bCR1RfSEqwgbaSrLjlH6SdTSnOe27NeV7b_e9fCbWyhGwKkT1pN3eKRekG9EWC6OAgRWW9yfFqYfnRpfxkEw7GmeW5GnHNwc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9gfszuRPdU0M7PSFerJa3Xky1zipg7wnQ99LsMGedmJlg_4LGnAcJKrcnU8libahh8k3GH1iGwSDjn97x2AUTbO2Mcp6bCR1RfSEqwgbaSrLjlH6SdTSnOe27NeV7b_e9fCbWyhGwKkT1pN3eKRekG9EWC6OAgRWW9yfFqYfnRpfxkEw7GmeW5GnHNwc=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>About the same color as our yellow Tabebuia trees back home, soon we will have one too. In fact it is about that same size but only now starting to bud out. We bought some hanging baskets to enjoy and I said to Bruce that the entry was just made for them.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVJaNogcjBPJWLnJtcnCGAjc17VQSMJ4QTi8lHKsEvHqW5MpsUX_tpUJ3lhVpfBzeSHTAmm8c8vE4AbI1UKPOx9AloHzAWqTA68u7bQQxusmo7rSrfpN8ba32-uMrOYksVDPRvR64SYPN6UF4O4uK9m5TEywWpl-D_KrXJebeaMdQxM9XBaHUykue_I6M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVJaNogcjBPJWLnJtcnCGAjc17VQSMJ4QTi8lHKsEvHqW5MpsUX_tpUJ3lhVpfBzeSHTAmm8c8vE4AbI1UKPOx9AloHzAWqTA68u7bQQxusmo7rSrfpN8ba32-uMrOYksVDPRvR64SYPN6UF4O4uK9m5TEywWpl-D_KrXJebeaMdQxM9XBaHUykue_I6M=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Next time I show you this same scene the yellow blooms will be overwhelming and I mean that in a very good way.<p></p><p>Most certainly I hope you have enjoyed your front row seat in bird watching because I can't promise anything in the coming months, what with the leaves returning. In the meantime, let us enjoy the view while we can. This little Carolina Wren was trying to keep warm the other morning when it was very cold and windy. Isn't it cute how they puff up?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSB0ybgkp-3dLs0X9UfmrUCbRg1ZhuVAaFmtMhP9exrTVPJ0HMWgks3jDG8w2zd4cE3ncTY6ORzCteZEy1PLgPiecJ_0Lj85HfOx7r7z0XdU-bhaTMYv83QE5f_dODmRadAeLIO-5nzt1OVcw1T5oFS9m4V4_4fo_xJPXDTi48_BdI3N_geHT_rFNUvfE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSB0ybgkp-3dLs0X9UfmrUCbRg1ZhuVAaFmtMhP9exrTVPJ0HMWgks3jDG8w2zd4cE3ncTY6ORzCteZEy1PLgPiecJ_0Lj85HfOx7r7z0XdU-bhaTMYv83QE5f_dODmRadAeLIO-5nzt1OVcw1T5oFS9m4V4_4fo_xJPXDTi48_BdI3N_geHT_rFNUvfE=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Does it surprise you that I've added another feeding station? It shouldn't. Goldfinch are supposed to love Nyger seed which is what is in that sock thing, but to tell you the truth it is the Siskens that seem to like it the most here on Warren Drive.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo0bFugzWqCHMAb-zXfPEji4YjIPfVc3UADgI0Y9jAIBQgYl4E4zrdCI60oyZPWF2ET0m0bCjS0jl2f_-xza08nrxnhb2zy7PuSwdVZAWTpFqUAX8-ClpypaNOJcxLLJTl_4Bv2seVMlWH78tYpqKpMbomgWcYKxzamHGs5jDlht1BDLGOBWHDKHzJbjw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo0bFugzWqCHMAb-zXfPEji4YjIPfVc3UADgI0Y9jAIBQgYl4E4zrdCI60oyZPWF2ET0m0bCjS0jl2f_-xza08nrxnhb2zy7PuSwdVZAWTpFqUAX8-ClpypaNOJcxLLJTl_4Bv2seVMlWH78tYpqKpMbomgWcYKxzamHGs5jDlht1BDLGOBWHDKHzJbjw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>In other bird news, we are watching the male Goldfinch molt and become the sunny lemon yellow people are most familiar with.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRSPbymmJ5wmDge0qADZWCtaL3I02OvbqmhDdkPgu9cbdfEUDxMm8MyX2H-qYTxHIATSOqErmoSDzk13Tu-4YfmWHbmMVmN5ir-_1Ls187oJkmlvLtS-BNFgNP7jNLYoZ2RCMa8s0stre6aIPV279u_A6pOw7iIujpgw0RWaAji9_h20MKVXdRoiincr0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRSPbymmJ5wmDge0qADZWCtaL3I02OvbqmhDdkPgu9cbdfEUDxMm8MyX2H-qYTxHIATSOqErmoSDzk13Tu-4YfmWHbmMVmN5ir-_1Ls187oJkmlvLtS-BNFgNP7jNLYoZ2RCMa8s0stre6aIPV279u_A6pOw7iIujpgw0RWaAji9_h20MKVXdRoiincr0=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>As a reminder, here is one of last Summer's flock.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4DXoi5x97fETVf3XsZkW0ZsIJHaoPHxZCVmnp7y0DAzXQgmzlujUGhfQmObNqx4w5tOqBC4vd4MAcRnj8XFa5SPqB_K8oKsPkChIAbt1cvT9i3_-iO--vwAVkd_p2q19AP8YYS-k8nb-n4FFvRzZDokD3IkIQWrDXYK82KtP27ipO4U5Ou9qMf1AgA60" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2596" data-original-width="3567" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4DXoi5x97fETVf3XsZkW0ZsIJHaoPHxZCVmnp7y0DAzXQgmzlujUGhfQmObNqx4w5tOqBC4vd4MAcRnj8XFa5SPqB_K8oKsPkChIAbt1cvT9i3_-iO--vwAVkd_p2q19AP8YYS-k8nb-n4FFvRzZDokD3IkIQWrDXYK82KtP27ipO4U5Ou9qMf1AgA60=w640-h466" width="640" /></a></div>So how awesome is this? Watching the trees change, the birds, and soon the deer will sport their beautiful caramel color again.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVbiMzkeqxd0azMHBfgnT30L2tCaqbIdevRIU87Sor2ORCwDFniumNWroyqWnTIzKu3tkBKulj6AEq9W16ePGVOYGPp07aaSbBsKhfJUxvutIFE_We8MQrvaa2D4jLG4yPG0w9pbxJFXG3tcTqbLXhdmdI3ecgfmHlIZphtaEMuSGgyhZ_Hw7fvTk3yoE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVbiMzkeqxd0azMHBfgnT30L2tCaqbIdevRIU87Sor2ORCwDFniumNWroyqWnTIzKu3tkBKulj6AEq9W16ePGVOYGPp07aaSbBsKhfJUxvutIFE_We8MQrvaa2D4jLG4yPG0w9pbxJFXG3tcTqbLXhdmdI3ecgfmHlIZphtaEMuSGgyhZ_Hw7fvTk3yoE=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>John is curing his beautiful hand made furniture in the sun. I believe it is next month that there will be a county-wide art tour where folks will have a map to visit artists studios, one of which will be John's below our living space. That should be neat.<p></p><p>Well, it is time to talk about our wonderful Bluebirds. You knew that was coming and were looking forward to it no doubt. Or were you? If nothing else, surely you can appreciate the blooming tree.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2r0vSnEOlbCUrsqIiPD5HHoXkwfqwzokhhVg5Ry3dls5Etw3Vad-LOFsdtwxi8H3Vu3UBKwxSV8XjrUqBRjdv_7Jx5k6QakfdZuU6yxVpLmnVJNW6I3fGc9AIAQeAxqb4RbJIcjma6jSx4goQUGAtU69xwPxytVf20u3w2-SiFf4ylGNuZa9cDxzqHJs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2r0vSnEOlbCUrsqIiPD5HHoXkwfqwzokhhVg5Ry3dls5Etw3Vad-LOFsdtwxi8H3Vu3UBKwxSV8XjrUqBRjdv_7Jx5k6QakfdZuU6yxVpLmnVJNW6I3fGc9AIAQeAxqb4RbJIcjma6jSx4goQUGAtU69xwPxytVf20u3w2-SiFf4ylGNuZa9cDxzqHJs=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Is this a kiss, or the passing of a tasty bug?<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidvbE_CtHotY5fgkko2GWWYBfUfvwCdJ5FrlCh7oT1gNJT9z0Pn7i5dt3riu3oDluUk1fpDKavb_yhQJY2tYB5iSK2GeQp8HI17YlszJSh6zwWT5GJ5NoPG9YkGej05lzJxRsmn8e6RUkCmTS9n7xHeN81xFWBLWJkb1HeqUISIEk2Xfx5UZLu6pSa5-U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1835" data-original-width="2463" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidvbE_CtHotY5fgkko2GWWYBfUfvwCdJ5FrlCh7oT1gNJT9z0Pn7i5dt3riu3oDluUk1fpDKavb_yhQJY2tYB5iSK2GeQp8HI17YlszJSh6zwWT5GJ5NoPG9YkGej05lzJxRsmn8e6RUkCmTS9n7xHeN81xFWBLWJkb1HeqUISIEk2Xfx5UZLu6pSa5-U=w640-h476" width="640" /></a></div>The indigo blue of the male is a sight to behold.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhozSlOs5_AB6hoXczQdKOtXWr6tKMDv9Fu-9esCg8upQL8s88eErVTpU80mZ8DQwgQu9SgPCM_6aK--Hmq9Cd05uBa7iUZcR7oxSw8ZvbDf065TKYbINsqQ5JGDkKHczhJGS3VV_WyCc6A7D_MAa3L4HTnY0mzVDBCdm5R1jRxP2ezvWdBdVbSjXZ2c5E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="2766" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhozSlOs5_AB6hoXczQdKOtXWr6tKMDv9Fu-9esCg8upQL8s88eErVTpU80mZ8DQwgQu9SgPCM_6aK--Hmq9Cd05uBa7iUZcR7oxSw8ZvbDf065TKYbINsqQ5JGDkKHczhJGS3VV_WyCc6A7D_MAa3L4HTnY0mzVDBCdm5R1jRxP2ezvWdBdVbSjXZ2c5E=w515-h640" width="515" /></a></div>Pinch me friends, I've gone to heaven! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIcQr65WgebAgwa3Ns_RNvTE6tICx1dtcKE6sN9emeVOtcSLsyQoLy55l8SXwiM-dvGMz1Yi1bmw2MQJvp71t71ckSlTvUwJ79DGE9Zol1HxN-edVgu8IIytZHobMAWc0PRnHz_Nl45M4fvzjPJkHYeunpBd2RJhrrZ3f5Lr2fnSL40tgaTUFcT9wBe3A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="2472" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIcQr65WgebAgwa3Ns_RNvTE6tICx1dtcKE6sN9emeVOtcSLsyQoLy55l8SXwiM-dvGMz1Yi1bmw2MQJvp71t71ckSlTvUwJ79DGE9Zol1HxN-edVgu8IIytZHobMAWc0PRnHz_Nl45M4fvzjPJkHYeunpBd2RJhrrZ3f5Lr2fnSL40tgaTUFcT9wBe3A=w459-h640" width="459" /></a></div>Before long they will have a good place to hide when the leaves come all the way out, something I am and am not looking forward to. <p></p><p>I finally felt confidant enough in the kitchen here to host guests. I am darn slow though, spending far too much time doing everything.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiG6YPLQPIJpwNdZDlW9V9nIs4yvq9sD9VhhGi4SUNm9wF8XSEFPJH9cpilsj-_sKA9jy5uILqCym0HNMoZ11iDTwbk3oPWP_SQ9czX7QlNI5mlG8zMYXZTfBzU_wu2TriTClJxWrJbwVQ0H6hwM8iF0rxrDu63omUeh4ReIZGaoPPiuAW5YLDe0P-a3VA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiG6YPLQPIJpwNdZDlW9V9nIs4yvq9sD9VhhGi4SUNm9wF8XSEFPJH9cpilsj-_sKA9jy5uILqCym0HNMoZ11iDTwbk3oPWP_SQ9czX7QlNI5mlG8zMYXZTfBzU_wu2TriTClJxWrJbwVQ0H6hwM8iF0rxrDu63omUeh4ReIZGaoPPiuAW5YLDe0P-a3VA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Unlike at home where serving platters are readily available, here I am learning to make do. Tammy and John, naturally loved the cottage as anyone in their right mind would, all thanks to Charlotte, John and Laura.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLmZubmdKYMcFUNOVrqVacZZA0jFH32052-bZe_UO5MQpTat84QHMHmtq-ABStoU2L5NQUZAlA06xrpFLDPrmGukgH4nEqgSwb0uCDcuoBXFwKICJAr7tWcOAgyxYyb-5Qrya71i21KGOB8sY7IZEBbH1GHtTg6sbsDkIJadFRWQV-x_aTkTf9jiadQOc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLmZubmdKYMcFUNOVrqVacZZA0jFH32052-bZe_UO5MQpTat84QHMHmtq-ABStoU2L5NQUZAlA06xrpFLDPrmGukgH4nEqgSwb0uCDcuoBXFwKICJAr7tWcOAgyxYyb-5Qrya71i21KGOB8sY7IZEBbH1GHtTg6sbsDkIJadFRWQV-x_aTkTf9jiadQOc=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>A lovely time was had by all, or so it seemed.<p></p><p>So it is not like we don't have beautiful color in Florida, it is just that the change is not nearly as dramatic because so many trees stay green year round. For some unknown reason, this photo was on my desktop featuring the beautiful pink Tabebuia trees that are so prevalent in Central Florida. Perhaps because I took so many of this sort of photograph? Or was it AI? Now that is a scary thought.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1ITrAyVXkFhVNBJ1l6-ehSsfrhMEOHoUW8s68izM7aBl3qvbm8nwt543eDhvFpdgqxDL-r5Z9LdUPXXxkV5s62dpFI04LST3ueTSTZwpxZPOviXe6KmtbhMg8wZaUIQ0N8xgsTF9ZralcG08PJU_08ySfc2Ba8Oa2HkAmvrnk0n1rpJd6L6QWhkIWcLw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1ITrAyVXkFhVNBJ1l6-ehSsfrhMEOHoUW8s68izM7aBl3qvbm8nwt543eDhvFpdgqxDL-r5Z9LdUPXXxkV5s62dpFI04LST3ueTSTZwpxZPOviXe6KmtbhMg8wZaUIQ0N8xgsTF9ZralcG08PJU_08ySfc2Ba8Oa2HkAmvrnk0n1rpJd6L6QWhkIWcLw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a>Nonetheless, the pink reflection in the lake is pretty cool that's for sure. Here are some pink trees I came across here taken during the rain.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjvRtjaQF4oA_DBsLOOaKemoT4L_Y2gNEZ9QZvjogFR6P3GCA_rMHBXJTkPWbd29h_VoJ3i22PK1F49RoRF_uSWJzU17U8MOH2HfgebMoWXqTZGRR_NtEScKuf4j6I33fhBteltfSypw5vmTD84sB0RbJvxIuud_pFkwJ-zA5eW5UqjDAqPNBdkk-hX5E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjvRtjaQF4oA_DBsLOOaKemoT4L_Y2gNEZ9QZvjogFR6P3GCA_rMHBXJTkPWbd29h_VoJ3i22PK1F49RoRF_uSWJzU17U8MOH2HfgebMoWXqTZGRR_NtEScKuf4j6I33fhBteltfSypw5vmTD84sB0RbJvxIuud_pFkwJ-zA5eW5UqjDAqPNBdkk-hX5E=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Lucky for us, when John and Laura built their beautiful home, they planted an orchard with 12 fruit trees and called their home, The Orchard House. Seeing as they are right out front, we are getting a front row seat to the wonder of a group of trees beginning to bloom with lovely pink flowers.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh96abd8VLdq0ZFIw3mTf_y-zTpPyRZeRHXDayQJVG07XR66KLps4Qi2ujsLkPS1wAixF3Xy_GisuQRmRiK1W6DaC4R8cHr9JbVsdaw6OtwdYA_K0ySmwUCDYMBo9bul9AZ7n6oXHButQFirK012yz8x-HQf75XY6Z7IKEGbCVnTPxPXkHc_psWIboeglk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4570" data-original-width="3276" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh96abd8VLdq0ZFIw3mTf_y-zTpPyRZeRHXDayQJVG07XR66KLps4Qi2ujsLkPS1wAixF3Xy_GisuQRmRiK1W6DaC4R8cHr9JbVsdaw6OtwdYA_K0ySmwUCDYMBo9bul9AZ7n6oXHButQFirK012yz8x-HQf75XY6Z7IKEGbCVnTPxPXkHc_psWIboeglk=w459-h640" width="459" /></a></div>Rest assured, this is just the beginning of me posting this glorious happening. Oh my! <p></p><p>Let's head downtown and a nice shot of our church with the bare trees behind it. How long that will last is a mystery to me, but you will be the first to know when the evidence unfolds.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMWDRWF9E9hu80bod6j6T3lgOxZhGVth7WyLZQ86pyorziM7u4XjXwvIC1Zg64lONOJlJNZfZIdNB1rDq3MD0eFVVmfQzVQQFlSejgtNcEKjsodfV4OBQ6fnVLMQtuPHitAqzqan3lmAmCF6wk6DJl42OVESZvyWVbQDoB9y2tgXG4Ki9fcKYVuwuZdEo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3381" data-original-width="5055" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMWDRWF9E9hu80bod6j6T3lgOxZhGVth7WyLZQ86pyorziM7u4XjXwvIC1Zg64lONOJlJNZfZIdNB1rDq3MD0eFVVmfQzVQQFlSejgtNcEKjsodfV4OBQ6fnVLMQtuPHitAqzqan3lmAmCF6wk6DJl42OVESZvyWVbQDoB9y2tgXG4Ki9fcKYVuwuZdEo=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div>Following the service last Sunday we had lunch with some new friends, a couple from Sanford with a home here, Randy on the left, and David on the right. Both were former teachers in Seminole County.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpBoX-SBRQnO8CDE5ZRJPgfMUCGc-dEEnJlg-Ur7JH0EZTRTz9tS3l33uJmTgq5G8xb8t7ANcsnJAD0Oxw9W4qtAsCBKPDadFwAC8Zg3q3oBrDn776RarWCZRW7EKt0zM8YIX10luD6-OVR3obWokqHes-CZ-mtKI4Pj-XKPGh5Jno5vkpNQOwAzh5l04" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpBoX-SBRQnO8CDE5ZRJPgfMUCGc-dEEnJlg-Ur7JH0EZTRTz9tS3l33uJmTgq5G8xb8t7ANcsnJAD0Oxw9W4qtAsCBKPDadFwAC8Zg3q3oBrDn776RarWCZRW7EKt0zM8YIX10luD6-OVR3obWokqHes-CZ-mtKI4Pj-XKPGh5Jno5vkpNQOwAzh5l04" width="640" /></a></div>The number of former teachers we have met here is a lot. Seemingly, every other person is either from Florida or a former teacher! <p></p><p>Continuing down the street, is a charming church and the elementary school on the left. While the school is not easy to see, the giant blooming trees sure are. The post office is on the right. All very, very compact.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuKUOd3CIL0Ggo1VbUZMYAiz7ootiM2AOPSRaM9fKe-h29O7JeisMDtgG4q2LF9NlpPZXklX7dgSk1otOy931tFQDyGYzg71La8WhxcWBDxC8-qNsUWq0IqVIqxMe1uXtYVoQgcrqaG15JFCc_bnYtSHlswb_QQcLFyqbv0LwffZ_XDIRJCxlCciaWws4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuKUOd3CIL0Ggo1VbUZMYAiz7ootiM2AOPSRaM9fKe-h29O7JeisMDtgG4q2LF9NlpPZXklX7dgSk1otOy931tFQDyGYzg71La8WhxcWBDxC8-qNsUWq0IqVIqxMe1uXtYVoQgcrqaG15JFCc_bnYtSHlswb_QQcLFyqbv0LwffZ_XDIRJCxlCciaWws4=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Just around the bend on the left are the pickleball courts and the river. All this is but two miles or so from the cottage. <p></p><p><u>Extra, extra, read all about it!!! </u></p><p>Mr. Peck, AKA, the love of my life, is going before the County Commission on Monday night!!!</p><p>Say what?</p><p>The long time players at the courts have done amazing things with both their time and talent, including building a covered pavillion featuring a storage room and a bathroom, almost all done with donations. Since we have been here we have played a very, very small role on the donation front. Anyway, take a look at the courts.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbS2Slxj8vO79hlHKNKpKGR8cEqA1BHW9lW3hdZ__zhGRE273kgUDtkdWflk5ChfWaGUvRTWS_JlUlCIba3u-zPEysrCZu8cMwgOLMeyXPSZo15U_q5Jyq8gihUmW52xwR8R1hEloLwewFm1zwOBxtOxRQyLZypbhvE1PfHN7ZcfjC_bVpNXLLqSF7_AM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3066" data-original-width="4088" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbS2Slxj8vO79hlHKNKpKGR8cEqA1BHW9lW3hdZ__zhGRE273kgUDtkdWflk5ChfWaGUvRTWS_JlUlCIba3u-zPEysrCZu8cMwgOLMeyXPSZo15U_q5Jyq8gihUmW52xwR8R1hEloLwewFm1zwOBxtOxRQyLZypbhvE1PfHN7ZcfjC_bVpNXLLqSF7_AM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>You might note that they are separated by tennis nets and makeshift "gates". Precarious to be sure. Long story is that Harry asked Bruce to negotiate with the park manager for permanent fences and gates. Knowing Bruce you can imagine what a thorough job he did, eventually sending drawings, proposals and photographs to the commission for a request of matching funds to have the fences built. One thing of note is that he received return phone calls from the town within hours and this appearance was set up within a week. You gotta love small town life.<p></p><p>Are you still with me? It's still raining, so I am still writing. π</p><p>Last Saturday was also a rainy day, but eventually we left the cottage and visited what I am calling the flea market although that might not be the real name. Anyway, it was kind of icky, in part because of the damp cold, but interesting nonetheless. Presumably it is much livelier in the summer.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbMZOxwwT0hclHB18khCyriNRj307aV91h1rkk1J33XhKAQPKqpyN6SIfDx_qKXMmzrJPhspoh7T2NZntBWah1nMaeHRSmg13WakWlHT4xicOMjgvrZUtfR8oasg8pM_e782ZyBrsjYeWYZMY1kxcgon8zBogKJt4YkguuaMTytwB2bW5zKFqmZd18xm0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbMZOxwwT0hclHB18khCyriNRj307aV91h1rkk1J33XhKAQPKqpyN6SIfDx_qKXMmzrJPhspoh7T2NZntBWah1nMaeHRSmg13WakWlHT4xicOMjgvrZUtfR8oasg8pM_e782ZyBrsjYeWYZMY1kxcgon8zBogKJt4YkguuaMTytwB2bW5zKFqmZd18xm0=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Across the street it is a little more refined with some very interesting items for sale.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHidN6IxSxDx9TzrQRG_-WrD036DCn5Tjy5BxxCMfbpQ2J2hFLlGX1rMNUbiO2TBXH5g6o7zdzJJUwpy3OaUXlq046NejN7xWs3dX8KXNu8W0xoTHtAzuwhJVXMUTMekTUTtCd9ZZteyIz6nlw79tg6rUhUku0ni6ZKoHK2zidSOzLNgOOvMwgNZHTX2w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHidN6IxSxDx9TzrQRG_-WrD036DCn5Tjy5BxxCMfbpQ2J2hFLlGX1rMNUbiO2TBXH5g6o7zdzJJUwpy3OaUXlq046NejN7xWs3dX8KXNu8W0xoTHtAzuwhJVXMUTMekTUTtCd9ZZteyIz6nlw79tg6rUhUku0ni6ZKoHK2zidSOzLNgOOvMwgNZHTX2w=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>We did leave empty handed aside from some new salt and pepper shakers and a cast iron skillet from the grungy place. We did not come home with these.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEljk_Zyb85zvqOOEOd5TevCuK-mGjlEHbQ_qNsET0HWyNuSznq3abRUJHIxCV5mTrMLNwhP95teJVnAPuSQSLHUveEOGH5k5PrGuDBGJZifd2EBW5SbtlR3J8c6ovRgIU5C9Za457nGs485S0r---QBO6R0qgEPO2fyKSUh5WTO5TlaK5X5wBwEyDcMA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEljk_Zyb85zvqOOEOd5TevCuK-mGjlEHbQ_qNsET0HWyNuSznq3abRUJHIxCV5mTrMLNwhP95teJVnAPuSQSLHUveEOGH5k5PrGuDBGJZifd2EBW5SbtlR3J8c6ovRgIU5C9Za457nGs485S0r---QBO6R0qgEPO2fyKSUh5WTO5TlaK5X5wBwEyDcMA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br />From there we did some driving in the country and those white trees are so wonderful!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjv91nynZPCsLn2koVfDzaI04MmvdHywkJpqykUwHkyd9Bxnxst3Xb7fhfcF3mLTl4sMfPXXazzgI8fQPFnSiCqfwKxnPMuzGXziyXqmkibfuL7bPHm0J2hjpLO8HLTMHwprPAhNBQwWGT4mqA5t7KMX2JF10o5xdnZksTjij0xydG6ZeF4NPKXyYx4OX0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjv91nynZPCsLn2koVfDzaI04MmvdHywkJpqykUwHkyd9Bxnxst3Xb7fhfcF3mLTl4sMfPXXazzgI8fQPFnSiCqfwKxnPMuzGXziyXqmkibfuL7bPHm0J2hjpLO8HLTMHwprPAhNBQwWGT4mqA5t7KMX2JF10o5xdnZksTjij0xydG6ZeF4NPKXyYx4OX0" width="640" /></a></div>Coming across this shop was a highlight, absolutely charming both inside and out.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHkgpzcW4slwOxH_RoHmuIXFPisngmGNRIRVwZTpWAB3obbrbwQbFZCERa4mTtZMDBpUzDxSAbP3FB8qaHZVHu4gAkFZ8_Dc9EAUzlC35XEiS6WSb3YzMO2mbXOX3Z2cWZHic8DvnBuGczQU0Df5jMJq9rYauEpcKMHpHMMn7KQHoI9SINBqQhQ-_QPHA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3686" data-original-width="4915" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHkgpzcW4slwOxH_RoHmuIXFPisngmGNRIRVwZTpWAB3obbrbwQbFZCERa4mTtZMDBpUzDxSAbP3FB8qaHZVHu4gAkFZ8_Dc9EAUzlC35XEiS6WSb3YzMO2mbXOX3Z2cWZHic8DvnBuGczQU0Df5jMJq9rYauEpcKMHpHMMn7KQHoI9SINBqQhQ-_QPHA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>What has been so surprising here is how the grass, despite freezing overnight for more days than I can count, remains mostly green.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuKwdUPNRHVX5JCoKYlgwLquA_1rbjYXR6wpBY0GFaQr7rAho1VFxod7HJkJeAAYmA0DCWsUQWtFhoDqaWYqMpTLkvsEJea1GFbFqhb1tbHnkGMnTfxNro4Lq-ErfhNlSSTImvOj1AshqBTagTy6ZEcEFNFiQr0oL97j2p5iAo_pGqGBlAXWMDAgq-DSw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3585" data-original-width="4781" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuKwdUPNRHVX5JCoKYlgwLquA_1rbjYXR6wpBY0GFaQr7rAho1VFxod7HJkJeAAYmA0DCWsUQWtFhoDqaWYqMpTLkvsEJea1GFbFqhb1tbHnkGMnTfxNro4Lq-ErfhNlSSTImvOj1AshqBTagTy6ZEcEFNFiQr0oL97j2p5iAo_pGqGBlAXWMDAgq-DSw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The number of days we spent watching our boys playing sports were also more days than I can count. It brings me joy to watch the new generation doing just that.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjraWrL_ofahkCPUCtFt4p2a8BtKTlL3ZwJVopHmTh-H6YTSIB-3W3VD6J6sXWX5joNY4O6kL9pvCAtKC6uf8xP5pF6jzSC36DFCrEYLazSl25dYB3miAqe0fSh2hQXKdEaxq57Iat8sMj1y-LxZhy5H9fDxcbrvpMNoxARxsQh10C9DO163cDXqFbQKz8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjraWrL_ofahkCPUCtFt4p2a8BtKTlL3ZwJVopHmTh-H6YTSIB-3W3VD6J6sXWX5joNY4O6kL9pvCAtKC6uf8xP5pF6jzSC36DFCrEYLazSl25dYB3miAqe0fSh2hQXKdEaxq57Iat8sMj1y-LxZhy5H9fDxcbrvpMNoxARxsQh10C9DO163cDXqFbQKz8" width="640" /></a></div>Here is a tree I am anxious to see once these buds turn into leaves. Amazing right? <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLiQVPh4i8i_HZMCBRulLwF7RwlI4XQiwgx_IV5pSqVM3pS83kbMN7s6WAXYAB1VTVtmlxztnbfdV6VaaWLvmKFvfO5X1jREvJWl06od3P9X3g-eO6Lc50f0yETA2U3c80cfFLzIoT_FUBap8Z6Xd4utmVqkTO3kRfVw55OkH09abo_GEpLFyjFCJePRY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLiQVPh4i8i_HZMCBRulLwF7RwlI4XQiwgx_IV5pSqVM3pS83kbMN7s6WAXYAB1VTVtmlxztnbfdV6VaaWLvmKFvfO5X1jREvJWl06od3P9X3g-eO6Lc50f0yETA2U3c80cfFLzIoT_FUBap8Z6Xd4utmVqkTO3kRfVw55OkH09abo_GEpLFyjFCJePRY=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Finally this sky.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2zWnJaGn26Jlx3L1PF0df2mtqnChy1XAP-vpA_13zM8LpmWczSrcmZjUTZFBkN7SZi8U_Np_uhrv6UvIYJtQsXqdO_RJTRTXxKab3L1x3f7-uRHPbhckQ45phL7WWPjpi0McZS9mVHQHT7USr_QNkNKsH7q7VpzAC91WrflTB2ApnRI7zam3CojPtfV4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2zWnJaGn26Jlx3L1PF0df2mtqnChy1XAP-vpA_13zM8LpmWczSrcmZjUTZFBkN7SZi8U_Np_uhrv6UvIYJtQsXqdO_RJTRTXxKab3L1x3f7-uRHPbhckQ45phL7WWPjpi0McZS9mVHQHT7USr_QNkNKsH7q7VpzAC91WrflTB2ApnRI7zam3CojPtfV4" width="639" /></a></div>During our Sunday walk Diane claimed it is called Carolina blue and who, pray tell, am I to argue with that?<p></p><p>I've not even touched on the wildflowers which are also going wild with the warmer days. Oh by golly, this is so much fun.</p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail<br /></p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-21095801588993555412024-03-08T17:01:00.004-05:002024-03-08T17:30:03.795-05:00As is Common, A Smorgasbord<p>Good grief things are getting interesting around here!! Wow is popping out of my mouth seemingly every hour. Maybe a slight exaggeration, but not by much. Flowers are popping up out of the ground and trees are one day bare with some buds, and the next day--flowers. As promised though, plenty more to discuss. Beginning with a super fun photo of a Pine Sisken holding on for dear life in the rain. Note the feet which is something I only just noticed. No wonder they can hang on!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-QhlQ7DsKWRSIS8WtjirGn0NhrtkY05nBcKrC-SNUP0OC-xe43zf817vI-9KXtOziLxRCkYDCkfgSjppdfAJfGeQKJd7a6Ya8oQfQBob7YfboNVueO0RE29sf46_Qiw7yr0ca_3t9hKf7ThhpKIPvmegqZbPUViUCD6mbtfQQQBfDATYCBAObhBQ9_1c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-QhlQ7DsKWRSIS8WtjirGn0NhrtkY05nBcKrC-SNUP0OC-xe43zf817vI-9KXtOziLxRCkYDCkfgSjppdfAJfGeQKJd7a6Ya8oQfQBob7YfboNVueO0RE29sf46_Qiw7yr0ca_3t9hKf7ThhpKIPvmegqZbPUViUCD6mbtfQQQBfDATYCBAObhBQ9_1c=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Unfortunately we have had a casualty. On Tuesday of this week, I noticed some unusual behavior from this little one who had just been drinking from the collected water in our sweet sundial given to us by Jonathan and Alissa for our anniversary.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIiFWid3MbuWG0k7TlWEa77q-btwUO3a07zBNHyPeyNs6xsyJeMFoAh3HGN2Jiyn1OP78G7X2W25TTYs0sa--jOwdgVdWjdORAxhunR7BcLJCBnBFZ6V2TFitD0Uol3jV5OJ9sj9kBGgYgo6GTB8X1064a5oiW77yejD5sYPmhtY5J0DBMPqyKzNS2fEc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIiFWid3MbuWG0k7TlWEa77q-btwUO3a07zBNHyPeyNs6xsyJeMFoAh3HGN2Jiyn1OP78G7X2W25TTYs0sa--jOwdgVdWjdORAxhunR7BcLJCBnBFZ6V2TFitD0Uol3jV5OJ9sj9kBGgYgo6GTB8X1064a5oiW77yejD5sYPmhtY5J0DBMPqyKzNS2fEc=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Do you notice anything unusual. I kept my eye on it and the next day I noticed this outside the window. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHQKGCHcjeQqlXtvc_yXoxdunf0xN7_klElC14yZriwMpCE8bU6Qov-7ZA7P1f1HQGIsXgLtlFEDDaHISS6LY5Uho1jnLbQHBAgLhjOnwTuvTJlY1IJPsTUZtr7kgUpB_2K5rMczAAFgA3wkKmuN6SnIvvIKRA-93O2eOQMbqbnka-b62InYF-npB3Yyw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2338" data-original-width="3195" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHQKGCHcjeQqlXtvc_yXoxdunf0xN7_klElC14yZriwMpCE8bU6Qov-7ZA7P1f1HQGIsXgLtlFEDDaHISS6LY5Uho1jnLbQHBAgLhjOnwTuvTJlY1IJPsTUZtr7kgUpB_2K5rMczAAFgA3wkKmuN6SnIvvIKRA-93O2eOQMbqbnka-b62InYF-npB3Yyw=w640-h468" width="640" /></a></div>I became even more puzzled. Unfortunately yesterday Bruce buried this little one in spite of us taking it indoors with the intention to nurse it back to health. Actually it didn't last long at all.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiI97AWiggVLqVT-1LdXKcz-pt9PGxWitj22z4uk89cze41hG0LD6TgIH__3be3r7E7GMOr1v-mAs5gk9bmWrxwHoCKIGCaOPXOQ7gFIPf50pz-1Q0znFfEn4GmGruztEt9FOJjQzUv3D7QERzPeOhlNbLL-kbMTSUI-gt2rUdFWWhX7J2IBdWc0F2meoA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiI97AWiggVLqVT-1LdXKcz-pt9PGxWitj22z4uk89cze41hG0LD6TgIH__3be3r7E7GMOr1v-mAs5gk9bmWrxwHoCKIGCaOPXOQ7gFIPf50pz-1Q0znFfEn4GmGruztEt9FOJjQzUv3D7QERzPeOhlNbLL-kbMTSUI-gt2rUdFWWhX7J2IBdWc0F2meoA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Perhaps there are some amongst you that have already identified what I was seeing, but it was all new to me. Apparently when a bird is sick or injured they ruffle their feathers. If only I had known perhaps we could have saved it. So that is one piece of sad news.<p></p><p>As we were heading home from practicing pb last Sunday afternoon, I asked Bruce to stop the car, not for the first time as you well know! Anyway, I was dying to get a shot of a huge blooming tree. This, my dear readers is the last photograph I took with my six year old trusty Olympus OMD. It has been by my side for lots of adventures and it is a wonder it didn't conk out when I fell on it and broke my wrist.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjsYDnYESnTchepzdJ_T1ddckCGM4UMLFHMbw3pFZagFk5JN2rSykaXAKGup-YNAtHfLF8E19Kjn-tPsaEC8KWJbhkqyxBa1QmLcstNWGIrDg1YRX8z8DdQwzBcL2kGW5d4AJ0ka7AuPyvZSbExT1PExNEn010mpBybrXeGJd2kK8lWr_spoLi7xUlTzA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjsYDnYESnTchepzdJ_T1ddckCGM4UMLFHMbw3pFZagFk5JN2rSykaXAKGup-YNAtHfLF8E19Kjn-tPsaEC8KWJbhkqyxBa1QmLcstNWGIrDg1YRX8z8DdQwzBcL2kGW5d4AJ0ka7AuPyvZSbExT1PExNEn010mpBybrXeGJd2kK8lWr_spoLi7xUlTzA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Literally I pushed the shutter button and it never opened again. Naturally I was diappointed, but fortunately I was able to order a new camera and the wonderful folks at B&H and FedEx got it to me in less than two days from New York. Now that is some fine service! Below is the first photo I took with the new camera, an updated version of the old one. I believe these are plum blossoms?<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEji9-u1PbGh9bYTywclfvnyYCKMwOTz4cEQbuHEePP_1C7vaw70_TVhS3uK9AxxZ3N0xglFtUD5gCafSA-JQwSthYOHI53Sj0vCjnj1BVvqx4qp2MR9R7GjPvxVIvaztxKxqfoG2MLBaOCNtQQul_Yow4hhSWjytswjpXpv7hi5MYqqY0BO6lvepv6VaPM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEji9-u1PbGh9bYTywclfvnyYCKMwOTz4cEQbuHEePP_1C7vaw70_TVhS3uK9AxxZ3N0xglFtUD5gCafSA-JQwSthYOHI53Sj0vCjnj1BVvqx4qp2MR9R7GjPvxVIvaztxKxqfoG2MLBaOCNtQQul_Yow4hhSWjytswjpXpv7hi5MYqqY0BO6lvepv6VaPM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I'd learned of the bush from our friend Angela and actually by the time I took this, if you can imagine, loads of the blossoms had fallen off already..<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhFF2YN4VbaqKZvbv4rCmYgYtZ0ZMrX5J4Ha3OKmILtxOkedwgGhnBvjricE3fnChmgF8dRWy03Xh1YisNY5P1EHVvDYlVt4CNZFxhdNQ4SIzrlVuTnDPM2vtQwopabc53Ncm8sqb2syDYGa5rOic0IXLyMbkGzUK-AkWKM_-Ak977aDZ3l6jX92bqXZs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhFF2YN4VbaqKZvbv4rCmYgYtZ0ZMrX5J4Ha3OKmILtxOkedwgGhnBvjricE3fnChmgF8dRWy03Xh1YisNY5P1EHVvDYlVt4CNZFxhdNQ4SIzrlVuTnDPM2vtQwopabc53Ncm8sqb2syDYGa5rOic0IXLyMbkGzUK-AkWKM_-Ak977aDZ3l6jX92bqXZs=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>That my friends is the very definition of "pretty in pink", or maybe this is more your idea of that term?<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsWxGECqIjmKVwR0F5sDfOrHBZfmrxM6kCDp1Zft774zmmaLymUcfqTjtUzoa-Ts-mtmr0dQ3LD73aILDcbHcM4T8qhomGZqKGjqBYyAe15_dGPWYStmpgaahFeIFuebfli9ZAGcl4_91z49xMhWPM3qhjknlaQcO1bJZsOWtL4ypIj-P3OcNjiP5K228" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsWxGECqIjmKVwR0F5sDfOrHBZfmrxM6kCDp1Zft774zmmaLymUcfqTjtUzoa-Ts-mtmr0dQ3LD73aILDcbHcM4T8qhomGZqKGjqBYyAe15_dGPWYStmpgaahFeIFuebfli9ZAGcl4_91z49xMhWPM3qhjknlaQcO1bJZsOWtL4ypIj-P3OcNjiP5K228=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Maybe two or three weeks ago I photographed this tree and wondered what the buds were going to be and now I know in spades as there are actually four of these Pink Magnolias lined up in a row! <p></p><p>Here at Charlotte's Cottage, where the lucky Pecks are living, we've had one Crocus so far,</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-rB-50OSKFTTn4-Ps-ccFvNw2sv7UjyWo5pVm3MOaadGjtLMlZvOd3_yXvLNBZYOi6TBYMmmBvSrRJwElAbvwWwOMncXBgmw9sEnEAsqBmP9asDqPLl7it4nEdXncM2IOjBLpHgvU_ToI6HFTSdZewY5YAhUp4yERW0gQE9GSpdFE5v38rcdA9LjV1FQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-rB-50OSKFTTn4-Ps-ccFvNw2sv7UjyWo5pVm3MOaadGjtLMlZvOd3_yXvLNBZYOi6TBYMmmBvSrRJwElAbvwWwOMncXBgmw9sEnEAsqBmP9asDqPLl7it4nEdXncM2IOjBLpHgvU_ToI6HFTSdZewY5YAhUp4yERW0gQE9GSpdFE5v38rcdA9LjV1FQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>one of the trees has begun blooming,<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNSuGlnT6KkHLbx8K1Oq_41551iuq_6nKABjKE1SGRY6xYBo0ZlHpQNe3fWRCULMWIw1nd_bNmnUzHBheLCmvpgkTuB7djZSpmGfI7t8HXYxgiMdt-G18-zqgImuZXawx2sRJJxfw03vjuugr32tgH420xMNRi53MIIXZkLiWkZJ4fUeqnGg5Cw_67lQ8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNSuGlnT6KkHLbx8K1Oq_41551iuq_6nKABjKE1SGRY6xYBo0ZlHpQNe3fWRCULMWIw1nd_bNmnUzHBheLCmvpgkTuB7djZSpmGfI7t8HXYxgiMdt-G18-zqgImuZXawx2sRJJxfw03vjuugr32tgH420xMNRi53MIIXZkLiWkZJ4fUeqnGg5Cw_67lQ8=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>as has the Forsythia. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiloUWDqSzcvcHOQAH-wLHLiRC5NNzBDbwdCX6vqKHsE2LNF77jZYRE_utIZtiUE6c-C_If-_7Tc7fDMRQm0at9e7FQ0EpVlC6S_S3Ner7kCz-yita2xqz5a8FId4yHkh0R9lKD2783_aqepKYYT6W6g_Hbk7jBpfzsKzKy7cejNSyMhj5mKcZ0D5co-o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiloUWDqSzcvcHOQAH-wLHLiRC5NNzBDbwdCX6vqKHsE2LNF77jZYRE_utIZtiUE6c-C_If-_7Tc7fDMRQm0at9e7FQ0EpVlC6S_S3Ner7kCz-yita2xqz5a8FId4yHkh0R9lKD2783_aqepKYYT6W6g_Hbk7jBpfzsKzKy7cejNSyMhj5mKcZ0D5co-o=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>I've begun seeing Forsythia around town and it is going to be pretty spectacular, probably before we know it! <p></p><p>And, of course there are the birds.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0v8azvfNEkJEZevtYBWAzUIknDfFlBR3QlzO0wW50jI0ZXO3mbqWyr4p_fuhxmbkBmy5BFosRPotwfsMJfsq6GsgBdCxl1JQoE5zeTGzr8t4Geucl0yijUc0Z44EM-57RlDPPeWk1d_4wg1Z7nmUPvkLbF7BgrCL_ivSb6soc37nsHzB2JVXCJFn20Pg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0v8azvfNEkJEZevtYBWAzUIknDfFlBR3QlzO0wW50jI0ZXO3mbqWyr4p_fuhxmbkBmy5BFosRPotwfsMJfsq6GsgBdCxl1JQoE5zeTGzr8t4Geucl0yijUc0Z44EM-57RlDPPeWk1d_4wg1Z7nmUPvkLbF7BgrCL_ivSb6soc37nsHzB2JVXCJFn20Pg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I believe I counted 25 in the shot above, a fraction of who was in attendance at the time as there are another thirty or forty on the ground. Those are the Pine Siskens and Goldfinch that hang together for now, but I'm thinking I read somewhere that the PS will be moving on. Of course where else will they get this kind of treatment?? <p></p><p>The Dark Eyed Junco are another bird that I believe will be migrating, so I am enjoying them while I can.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkWM7P8F7bFayhTj-1El6R5YyvDeo8RFL6wm-GPx6ZiCPb4eKCN4egCiV7xdU3bHJ9CiyS9k-EgBIvdcoLPcnKDoyX1iIbiczckERmM-rGpeRnnXvWU8Fj76loJ-8uwvI_ioXqGCKlJxxUPm1C3lAod5tJScHHfQL6BXa4XIgZrydn8S0k-GRyjjlOehs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3336" data-original-width="4444" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkWM7P8F7bFayhTj-1El6R5YyvDeo8RFL6wm-GPx6ZiCPb4eKCN4egCiV7xdU3bHJ9CiyS9k-EgBIvdcoLPcnKDoyX1iIbiczckERmM-rGpeRnnXvWU8Fj76loJ-8uwvI_ioXqGCKlJxxUPm1C3lAod5tJScHHfQL6BXa4XIgZrydn8S0k-GRyjjlOehs=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Hey you, get off of my perch!!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilXnVf1DIZOLETpF4feqdg7BDO-89Z8ISDBo7I0ksHQ58N8X4SW59gL6THqJpaPrW-r0OUgP7DfxmbH0AR39LwsIvgrDtwqpUU-agRRqppLxHvbFDBPbx5l_uiRiTY8TQdyUkaEfixV5oC4udUYa7_Tg_Sx5rUF87HerEvy5PSDPLEyMOXlefpvZCR7_o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2901" data-original-width="3362" height="553" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilXnVf1DIZOLETpF4feqdg7BDO-89Z8ISDBo7I0ksHQ58N8X4SW59gL6THqJpaPrW-r0OUgP7DfxmbH0AR39LwsIvgrDtwqpUU-agRRqppLxHvbFDBPbx5l_uiRiTY8TQdyUkaEfixV5oC4udUYa7_Tg_Sx5rUF87HerEvy5PSDPLEyMOXlefpvZCR7_o=w640-h553" width="640" /></a></div>The weather has been mild with rainy days and sunny days in equal measure. We are good with either. I was surprised when we saw the spider webs come out in full force the other day.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRBtWLtm7HyhWkWlnvMQUBE6OyPE07zFvWn9XAcdV5K2pQNCR9-iC9kfSqwsiop0fDAiGS57zDAJY3eJUcjpsbnEHK1srz9io7jMBdU432GKtrXulQzuJhghFhsCebQ7MdTC7gGY9X4UDiI195V9Rl_tN-U-rBDfsmDpxdGrOrx37BvC7oBBZQGfmXKAg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRBtWLtm7HyhWkWlnvMQUBE6OyPE07zFvWn9XAcdV5K2pQNCR9-iC9kfSqwsiop0fDAiGS57zDAJY3eJUcjpsbnEHK1srz9io7jMBdU432GKtrXulQzuJhghFhsCebQ7MdTC7gGY9X4UDiI195V9Rl_tN-U-rBDfsmDpxdGrOrx37BvC7oBBZQGfmXKAg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Had enough of nature have you? Well let's do some people stuff, shall we? <p></p><p>My sweet friend Brittany, the fab book editor and fab Christmas gift giver, whom I had not seen since Christmas. She is a woman on a mission and has no idea I am taking her photograph!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_1TRIxUdAYixRW5yEsGkrS6uf7ofy5DJ2-IrJg3tchiEUNViUp1hdyf_HT6ocXnSGuqthJe0n4c4Bt24ARYUAfwRMe9HrbEkyctsd_bfFuedI5IgEMo9oRYTya7q7w5083x6QcVhU8rU5AgTuUMKRKuUFooY2D3ROtFVWnGSYta_VxtkTYffW4iIa9k8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3370" data-original-width="4494" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_1TRIxUdAYixRW5yEsGkrS6uf7ofy5DJ2-IrJg3tchiEUNViUp1hdyf_HT6ocXnSGuqthJe0n4c4Bt24ARYUAfwRMe9HrbEkyctsd_bfFuedI5IgEMo9oRYTya7q7w5083x6QcVhU8rU5AgTuUMKRKuUFooY2D3ROtFVWnGSYta_VxtkTYffW4iIa9k8" width="640" /></a></div>I love playing with her not only because she is so good, but she is equally as good to me when I make bad shots. Sadly, way more than I like. Let's put it this way....I do almost everything better than I play pickleball. I still try though. :)<p></p><p>Last Thursday we met up for lunch with our friends Jackie and Mike in Blue Ridge, GA, about twenty or so miles away. We ate at the <a href="https://www.generalledgerblueridge.com/">General Ledger</a> and it was delightful. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0XoRWuhCdBcErwxcn5YVOdeiyXTecQIpsQSw7NNVI_gsbJX-VNazacoJDNIc_QW7BOs476GbCqaoryb8errtCVZ3cNuMENkYjrq1TVBBjePu9V-W0xdI_GkCgGjdQYSraPAvEbO37NDxA0dLhRtVLM5DFvIbXw8cRYJtwsdvtDxHhlx0evsUq5p3ph3Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0XoRWuhCdBcErwxcn5YVOdeiyXTecQIpsQSw7NNVI_gsbJX-VNazacoJDNIc_QW7BOs476GbCqaoryb8errtCVZ3cNuMENkYjrq1TVBBjePu9V-W0xdI_GkCgGjdQYSraPAvEbO37NDxA0dLhRtVLM5DFvIbXw8cRYJtwsdvtDxHhlx0evsUq5p3ph3Y=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>We had so much to say, catching up with everything happening at church in Winter Park, that I nearly forgot to get a shot of them. As it was, I had to holler and ask them to pose for a moment! <p></p><p>So, that was a good time, as was our dinner over at Hank's house. He served his favorite beef stew and we had round two of the day for good conversation.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbYaBifQ1oOaVv7NVCSJyABXKOcHj808C9HYynuqWj60vN58so0QwVE3aSrS0wxolC4aUSvc5hd0rL1d3_ckJ0hI2vUlLLfGrGRZ_7Sg3u3VvQKVfHNYTA-oB2ePMfyQRvH9jQWiStoSgo0YxBa9SLFIFqbeJ-pa7AwqkV3e27vvylFc6EyObBKzD2gGg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbYaBifQ1oOaVv7NVCSJyABXKOcHj808C9HYynuqWj60vN58so0QwVE3aSrS0wxolC4aUSvc5hd0rL1d3_ckJ0hI2vUlLLfGrGRZ_7Sg3u3VvQKVfHNYTA-oB2ePMfyQRvH9jQWiStoSgo0YxBa9SLFIFqbeJ-pa7AwqkV3e27vvylFc6EyObBKzD2gGg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>He is loving it here in North Carolina and if I had to describe his life it would be that he is thriving in his new environment. Not that he still does not miss Carol that's for sure. But he is learning to live without her. <p></p><p>Tuesday, because it was not raining, we went for a walk on top of the Lake Chatuge dam. Overcast and slightly chilly, the scenery is so special whatever the weather, it is still beautiful.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1VHDt0smwvn5oBYcLfeYVVtCudFVoM_fJnBeF4zudJ9XyLrEEFHxCX7nzUe8Es00tYwjN47lRsyNlkB_cu9BdnYN8c1ucspqaTXxOKIcus7cDVD2URu0h9siBnb9vwRjO-SDfTeuTxAFHTzQve6rVS9BtmZ98UrISTqG_-LBAr_pHRm_eQ076vQaD0Rw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1VHDt0smwvn5oBYcLfeYVVtCudFVoM_fJnBeF4zudJ9XyLrEEFHxCX7nzUe8Es00tYwjN47lRsyNlkB_cu9BdnYN8c1ucspqaTXxOKIcus7cDVD2URu0h9siBnb9vwRjO-SDfTeuTxAFHTzQve6rVS9BtmZ98UrISTqG_-LBAr_pHRm_eQ076vQaD0Rw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>One thing I have been loving is the appearance of very tiny wildflowers, mostly on the ground. So tiny that I put my shoe alongside them to demonstrate the size. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIs7fHv4NHFm6QbopwXf1hboe087KvKJhaetbOR9o0K6sU9OQvVn8QTWiT_1RDUl30VRq0VTsvAGgRONP8fT_Dei_Ll90rRXi-epYso66ku1YZexhBFX2ydmAKIGz_YLiq1lg3l6r7014knBU_nglus9p5AEkbrwzGTgb8KQY45bYJvCe7bj1-nyZAQpI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIs7fHv4NHFm6QbopwXf1hboe087KvKJhaetbOR9o0K6sU9OQvVn8QTWiT_1RDUl30VRq0VTsvAGgRONP8fT_Dei_Ll90rRXi-epYso66ku1YZexhBFX2ydmAKIGz_YLiq1lg3l6r7014knBU_nglus9p5AEkbrwzGTgb8KQY45bYJvCe7bj1-nyZAQpI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Aren't they adorable? While I may not describe the yellow one below as adorable, cheery comes to mind instead. I am seeing these in abundance as well.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpnaxD8NlZ7encsF1_UycKCGheSPeqnb6CES7sAoBn9ZCeVy3TgSMzPqeFR5xRpGWmhuwQSGoU6nv_vycQrxY21Lr0rX4dCD2k_Qtc1c9hO_mqWrJmfZWb02oQgq81drcjzIpy1DatziA7M7RmfbVlcM8VoTSDJ2TPtYr7CpBc6g-1fjt1YMCTdKPnwMc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpnaxD8NlZ7encsF1_UycKCGheSPeqnb6CES7sAoBn9ZCeVy3TgSMzPqeFR5xRpGWmhuwQSGoU6nv_vycQrxY21Lr0rX4dCD2k_Qtc1c9hO_mqWrJmfZWb02oQgq81drcjzIpy1DatziA7M7RmfbVlcM8VoTSDJ2TPtYr7CpBc6g-1fjt1YMCTdKPnwMc=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>While we were at the dam, it won't surprise some of you to learn that we had a nice long chat with Kim and Missy pictured below.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu2K3F752iX9YezBMXQV0EJpCtEA5BJ3zGn6VyPRNa4SVrWGScDmX6mJlfmERBdoR_vW5UgRo0_uge13_lzD77Re4bz8Cj6DIpx-tasc2UM5P-frzd8AfE55025FkKU7uj7WKQEsmyiCKsnWMbDYC-ZbcQyHxJDiYzLa1HsG9LqnifjSqlt4ODrQibEoI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu2K3F752iX9YezBMXQV0EJpCtEA5BJ3zGn6VyPRNa4SVrWGScDmX6mJlfmERBdoR_vW5UgRo0_uge13_lzD77Re4bz8Cj6DIpx-tasc2UM5P-frzd8AfE55025FkKU7uj7WKQEsmyiCKsnWMbDYC-ZbcQyHxJDiYzLa1HsG9LqnifjSqlt4ODrQibEoI" width="640" /></a></div><u>I'll have you know that we did not initiate the conversation,</u> but we sure did jump in with both feet! Or, make that sets of feet. Turns out we had a lot in common. Missy on the left was a carpenter, so there's that. Kim loves photography and birds, and she also has twins! That's one thing about being retired, you can stand there and talk for 45 minutes and it is all good!<p></p><p>Mr. Peck has begun working on the chicken coop.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjesweVEJRk3p8KuhAISPiuESbVC9Z0Mkxaz01CAERcMLRcsA5Iwsv2hu9DidYqeDPPDqghv9sKxuMIdGmJbOfk12VGR2s-NbLjksI9zwk5mEm23MJfTr25LR9Q3rLV9EXyLT1YFd5tPOTFEI72Qt6kc8v-WwlFEE4C9gcCtioGKelBizDMgf9FbvnstBU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjesweVEJRk3p8KuhAISPiuESbVC9Z0Mkxaz01CAERcMLRcsA5Iwsv2hu9DidYqeDPPDqghv9sKxuMIdGmJbOfk12VGR2s-NbLjksI9zwk5mEm23MJfTr25LR9Q3rLV9EXyLT1YFd5tPOTFEI72Qt6kc8v-WwlFEE4C9gcCtioGKelBizDMgf9FbvnstBU" width="640" /></a></div>Per his conversation with John, we will have four chickens and they will be free range, thus Bruce is removing all of the wire that encased the framing. According to him, they will march in at nightfall. This is going to be an exciting new experience for sure.<p></p><p>On the new experience topic, Senior Games is very popular here and most folks we know are participating in one way or another. For example: Bruce is playing men's doubles with Cobby. Bruce and I may pair up but that will definitely not be to Bruce's advantage! See above. Anyway, there are art categories including photography and writing. Now we are talking! Yet, having never entered, I have no idea what to enter. There is a popular photographer around here who usually has that category sewn up. Her photographs are very dramatic with heavy editing that I just can't compete with. I think it was just yesterday that I thought perhaps I could enter something in black and white? What do you think?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIEYg6ToEM_FL4QY73l4jgDLz_XoXzU7uuVxoRvqPkheWHSxtNi_hTqbJDUmRkLkS_tQoCLOnhvMor731DaaCmtzJ20FRH2APqn86WUiBRa-1YsS0Tc0X6eJZlslyyCOEdZk449SM1KSKM6jJcEDfAP8KI6ctleaLrHL9_Y6Ca1CHzSZWtEAtm4evvbOc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIEYg6ToEM_FL4QY73l4jgDLz_XoXzU7uuVxoRvqPkheWHSxtNi_hTqbJDUmRkLkS_tQoCLOnhvMor731DaaCmtzJ20FRH2APqn86WUiBRa-1YsS0Tc0X6eJZlslyyCOEdZk449SM1KSKM6jJcEDfAP8KI6ctleaLrHL9_Y6Ca1CHzSZWtEAtm4evvbOc=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>This, of course, would tie into my newfound obsession with mushrooms, right?<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQQQ37kEAbhUlorHyXkdVMGzoIge6cBIrAJpw0q_Cmk43dnuudg37PvAxJjOi06lmCx0BUj6BWt6JxAukToYN3vEUS67gDn4-Hwazy8fePu0f5TOWq03L3SVSSjf_w6amNkuYXiywxRCR0v-kbjIzN7-iHkNy8GAm-UsRcdh6VDJP2X_288D89G_wOtkM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQQQ37kEAbhUlorHyXkdVMGzoIge6cBIrAJpw0q_Cmk43dnuudg37PvAxJjOi06lmCx0BUj6BWt6JxAukToYN3vEUS67gDn4-Hwazy8fePu0f5TOWq03L3SVSSjf_w6amNkuYXiywxRCR0v-kbjIzN7-iHkNy8GAm-UsRcdh6VDJP2X_288D89G_wOtkM=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Just an idea. My other idea is that there is a category for life experiences and for that I am thinking about writing an piece on what it is like to blog for so long. Does that sound interesting? I've got time to ponder on it, but seriously, the days are speeding by. It is hard to imagine that we have been here nearly eight months. What an experience!<p></p><p>Let's do dramatic ourselves. To God be the glory, great things He has done.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEie5WkeFrbS9UsKox-jwsQ5yDWx5Huewelbf_KV5KlrDLMYe9_4Vq1WXQ1QPuVWap_nYdbImU3A3T6Mxbpc1TCYKxP4Ha40BC-2QGye2gJ-OBkix9kBR1wE59Z7kFqDXzwWE2ybREJ3fdqkQMSXSQkHlwo4_vR0g-CMr0tZBhkqojlViXYWJgx6HlD6qig" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEie5WkeFrbS9UsKox-jwsQ5yDWx5Huewelbf_KV5KlrDLMYe9_4Vq1WXQ1QPuVWap_nYdbImU3A3T6Mxbpc1TCYKxP4Ha40BC-2QGye2gJ-OBkix9kBR1wE59Z7kFqDXzwWE2ybREJ3fdqkQMSXSQkHlwo4_vR0g-CMr0tZBhkqojlViXYWJgx6HlD6qig=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I don't know, I do love color photography. <p></p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail</p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-42718352958708411772024-03-02T18:28:00.000-05:002024-03-02T18:28:26.950-05:00Saturday Roundup<p>My last post must have gone on facebook at the wrong time so very few seemed to have read it. Should you be one of the few, thank you so much! Those who missed it can find it <a href="https://gpeck.blogspot.com/2024/02/a-variety-show.html">here</a>. </p><p>Or maybe it just wasn't all that interesting???</p><p>Speaking of interesting, I still had a window open on my computer with my very first post which then prompted me to take a look at the post I wrote on/about this date in 2007. I can hardly imagine I did those things! Taking all of those tests? Yikes! <a href="https://gpeck.blogspot.com/2007/03/new-yellow-mini.html">Read all about it here</a> and I promise you it is much shorter than my current offerings. Bruce has been busy today which is why I have time to write another entry. This week, while not really cold, has had plenty of rain and it has kept me from walking as frequently as I prefer. With daylight savings time just around the corner, I suspect I won't be taking any shots like this one very often. I will be long done before nightfall.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg53GVyJEO1rr_BkGXRj-yxmCJHgtTBEUlAXtGimC5P1KPx4z4eY676bkBsD0n5xzcp7Vz_Gzxs0r8tOGUcqqC0xyIdTfo0Pwf_-x9LfHdYrv1f0OZxd7MyiGfc4aAG_pMMZx3Tsj9Js9spKkEoVS9VLsHkgtkkp7oGYULktez5-ha5w40yukhZ9a5rmLc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg53GVyJEO1rr_BkGXRj-yxmCJHgtTBEUlAXtGimC5P1KPx4z4eY676bkBsD0n5xzcp7Vz_Gzxs0r8tOGUcqqC0xyIdTfo0Pwf_-x9LfHdYrv1f0OZxd7MyiGfc4aAG_pMMZx3Tsj9Js9spKkEoVS9VLsHkgtkkp7oGYULktez5-ha5w40yukhZ9a5rmLc" width="640" /></a></div>Indeed, Spring is coming. Well, duh, it can't be stopped now can it? There is a road that runs alongside the park that I like to take because birds often perch in some of the bushes along said road. Well, I did not see any birds on this day but boy did seeing these daffodils, on the slope of someone's back yard, thrill me to no end.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-tRouOBoVZFbOS30a41HAoCAK3OiA9azb7FDTkn_7wu-3-LAxQL1kdVrjC89uOavI0PXWuBUagrPpkU4xbE7TZcZn_Rg8dUwv0wdz5n3n1NxPQ5Sej05T2FMDa1CHLhPyfGva0aGZ8jH04mzYzV_Ohv4m46FxuEKDoZalqGzuhCArTHq8DynEoqyZOuA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3290" data-original-width="4382" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-tRouOBoVZFbOS30a41HAoCAK3OiA9azb7FDTkn_7wu-3-LAxQL1kdVrjC89uOavI0PXWuBUagrPpkU4xbE7TZcZn_Rg8dUwv0wdz5n3n1NxPQ5Sej05T2FMDa1CHLhPyfGva0aGZ8jH04mzYzV_Ohv4m46FxuEKDoZalqGzuhCArTHq8DynEoqyZOuA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Even better, they are opening in the bed below the bird watching window! I had no idea how it would go cutting some of the blooms for indoors, but so far these are still looking really nice.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvny80kBE3ycr-yKi0dWDnAvsbK9N8OqCDf4o7yjE3s4DUR87L0mb1MgC738u5b09m7Mb_wjwaVb31rz5zMbAQKtmga9XD06zwRnYexLGhogk499O4qhRDaRZMp9l6pehYMxlevQ3CZWUBCoLf1jNUL-MoaQeUeJ-YNxKBKAwLkCesLEG0xRoHX0vZR8k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvny80kBE3ycr-yKi0dWDnAvsbK9N8OqCDf4o7yjE3s4DUR87L0mb1MgC738u5b09m7Mb_wjwaVb31rz5zMbAQKtmga9XD06zwRnYexLGhogk499O4qhRDaRZMp9l6pehYMxlevQ3CZWUBCoLf1jNUL-MoaQeUeJ-YNxKBKAwLkCesLEG0xRoHX0vZR8k=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>On a sunny afternoon I took this one too.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5T3D8E8TnJ6jn2GJF8Bty71frG9PDrhJ-9kV_69wNPkCVujULILpQ6lt4C5HsTyuyfueL5fgszuyV_Gs7NgFUfcqrNhYNX3L8c9PJEwqcseQ1M_4zuwvo6R5mEda3p25KtF3zof3lp77Rx_pyZQWRz-jsQzgj2IXGaWGVGIkW7pylpIis-gPbDnUf88s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5T3D8E8TnJ6jn2GJF8Bty71frG9PDrhJ-9kV_69wNPkCVujULILpQ6lt4C5HsTyuyfueL5fgszuyV_Gs7NgFUfcqrNhYNX3L8c9PJEwqcseQ1M_4zuwvo6R5mEda3p25KtF3zof3lp77Rx_pyZQWRz-jsQzgj2IXGaWGVGIkW7pylpIis-gPbDnUf88s=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Does that demonstrate the power of natural light or what? Buds are forming on a few of the park trees, or will these be flowers first? Leaves or flowers, that is the question?<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-YeqUqcNwth7i4XcF8BimiFtPfF-g8x1M_2ws4YFhafwEieOAN6lIagIrYEO8DpEXj82eI0h-JK9OjD-BYV63--PEHpIM6ZaGytcd0AU79tF1YhHLyvd3Mtq9HZlgopQ-MYhiQ0RATeWucMigD7NBKyIGdNxR10sc3hV0VmZBR1uHNWAs7SOgJmUqmNs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-YeqUqcNwth7i4XcF8BimiFtPfF-g8x1M_2ws4YFhafwEieOAN6lIagIrYEO8DpEXj82eI0h-JK9OjD-BYV63--PEHpIM6ZaGytcd0AU79tF1YhHLyvd3Mtq9HZlgopQ-MYhiQ0RATeWucMigD7NBKyIGdNxR10sc3hV0VmZBR1uHNWAs7SOgJmUqmNs" width="639" /></a></div>Hearing a hawk before I saw it, before I knew it, it flew by so fast I was lucky to follow it across the river up high in some trees, thus the lack of definition, but I did want to document the happening, hoping it won't be the last. Rarely have I seen hawks here, or at least so far. They were so common at Lake Pineloch Village that I am afraid I took them for granted. (these are some awkward sentences so forgive me)<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfjfFyX26T-wkKlWPX0oW8hYXEcDKCzudjxAyAah0BpDDeW-UvjzSkRzG6dzaUvDMxLIAkc_6C8tFC85RaNe5_mgIZlrgyKNyjHbzwXS3XL3F8Rlq05TDI0Vo3p7eZmV1ZH44kzgMuKwJIndOW6ElXocoLHNUce68KPdbjAxy6VrtNRoUwQKbS3k0FGCM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2217" data-original-width="3176" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfjfFyX26T-wkKlWPX0oW8hYXEcDKCzudjxAyAah0BpDDeW-UvjzSkRzG6dzaUvDMxLIAkc_6C8tFC85RaNe5_mgIZlrgyKNyjHbzwXS3XL3F8Rlq05TDI0Vo3p7eZmV1ZH44kzgMuKwJIndOW6ElXocoLHNUce68KPdbjAxy6VrtNRoUwQKbS3k0FGCM=w640-h446" width="640" /></a></div>Another bird, about a tenth of the size of a hawk, landed on the sidewalk and I left the photo exactly how I took it to demonstrate just how small these birds are.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL5GPLYDtz9_zwqzwIv3l-jMrVp2wfvkK9qk8lkhXYVbvfq70boJjQnyTlAtoSeYj_DpilLn8FHd3tOobj4J2jAvBOWHkNN6hg0xpj4muZ9GytU6AhtrlC-_JohJfjNRSAY1piJObiwPXCDjyXXX5MXImDZnoqh1a95GubP5ZEzr3q2cHzJwyCJRv8f3E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL5GPLYDtz9_zwqzwIv3l-jMrVp2wfvkK9qk8lkhXYVbvfq70boJjQnyTlAtoSeYj_DpilLn8FHd3tOobj4J2jAvBOWHkNN6hg0xpj4muZ9GytU6AhtrlC-_JohJfjNRSAY1piJObiwPXCDjyXXX5MXImDZnoqh1a95GubP5ZEzr3q2cHzJwyCJRv8f3E" width="639" /></a></div>Above is a Yellow-rumped Warbler, aptly named as I think you can see below.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8oKDocX_5ftHoG57ZZaLzGa14CbqxxXUf6p0jKq-EGfLLJcGgtYWLRUz93vavuYt6bBs0ZMQqMqFhlICfo2rsZVFUlPbYSUL6n6WHbH1XKK4Y7DSXJilR9eibIhewI-hVwTyWgFV3xDjdwCOZlvS2OHaHpXCmutftg2il7W-zeTedaaA-2IJDKrL40cs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8oKDocX_5ftHoG57ZZaLzGa14CbqxxXUf6p0jKq-EGfLLJcGgtYWLRUz93vavuYt6bBs0ZMQqMqFhlICfo2rsZVFUlPbYSUL6n6WHbH1XKK4Y7DSXJilR9eibIhewI-hVwTyWgFV3xDjdwCOZlvS2OHaHpXCmutftg2il7W-zeTedaaA-2IJDKrL40cs=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Maybe just a dot on the tail feathers? Definitely hard to see, but in person, cute as a button!<p></p><p>Sounding like a broken record, the volume of birds at our feeders is astonishing. They fly up, down, vie for perch space,</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjThjjMl7DOz4Zv7sd64eXFulYVaRyfveLLpS3ts7oxZEoy-TGPFAXd26a0byEDP_2bnZoFl0QFDiMXPJNJicFFuy_opyTcVV7zov0mOReEi6ocYoDPIrtxPb4gJkQ1fjIP39po6w8v1PkQaEjID0ahomdlOmYqSdwWkC_nEc7oq5XMBKRk7L24J35G3kM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3185" data-original-width="4322" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjThjjMl7DOz4Zv7sd64eXFulYVaRyfveLLpS3ts7oxZEoy-TGPFAXd26a0byEDP_2bnZoFl0QFDiMXPJNJicFFuy_opyTcVV7zov0mOReEi6ocYoDPIrtxPb4gJkQ1fjIP39po6w8v1PkQaEjID0ahomdlOmYqSdwWkC_nEc7oq5XMBKRk7L24J35G3kM=w640-h472" width="640" /></a></div>or maybe feed one another? I'm not so sure yet. Or maybe it is a kiss!!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVEN-wyUaGiN2nQ9bQdF2iKL1NqsSEZSs6kYp-1kERzJVQXk-DyTn6qyh9gOXm9WoL31IWysO9gK9YBqTg67tVQ8eb8BZ1EifrhhS8dzSuJhfJTHjhhcC3PIR8evTiCzN-sWJnaWw7q2pSU6vfvaXNLhkbeJ3AOeyM0xhO7gxDQjg4G6vIoYrRTHA8X8U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2605" data-original-width="3381" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVEN-wyUaGiN2nQ9bQdF2iKL1NqsSEZSs6kYp-1kERzJVQXk-DyTn6qyh9gOXm9WoL31IWysO9gK9YBqTg67tVQ8eb8BZ1EifrhhS8dzSuJhfJTHjhhcC3PIR8evTiCzN-sWJnaWw7q2pSU6vfvaXNLhkbeJ3AOeyM0xhO7gxDQjg4G6vIoYrRTHA8X8U=w640-h494" width="640" /></a></div>And then, with a woosh, they fly off all at once! This goes on for hours on end mind you. <p></p><p>We had to go to Lowes for something or other and while Bruce did his thing, I ogled the garden center where I saw flowers that you could plant without fear of them burning up in the sun. But then again, deer might eat them, so there's that.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN_ZlA7oe1Q2VmVV0QUqbxP3uZEglGZNcu8ufcgVI_tDIbjKKSRz184xmRfQaT_OEWublo6uqlA6YbdLCawl8o9Nuf7PRpwavOb_vkiiAzPbAzO1DIHS7gUcBwkEcZNnlZ0OoD4G6h220SIXg9hrYKK4VeOYWw8wqr8m4Sncv4mTnwQwp_SO-WZJE2FRw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN_ZlA7oe1Q2VmVV0QUqbxP3uZEglGZNcu8ufcgVI_tDIbjKKSRz184xmRfQaT_OEWublo6uqlA6YbdLCawl8o9Nuf7PRpwavOb_vkiiAzPbAzO1DIHS7gUcBwkEcZNnlZ0OoD4G6h220SIXg9hrYKK4VeOYWw8wqr8m4Sncv4mTnwQwp_SO-WZJE2FRw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>So if it not out one window, it is another. One window I see the birds, another window the deer. All ten of them which before you think to correct me, note the white tail on the right as it runs out of the picture frame.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj05IcwkTAIkHANpW3kR-z9lPcxYpvnnzeFKTs_MaS63fxcD8R0g7r7rrB04-96Q1C1qwiXTJt1NB_ys88hG0GCSyeACMItQNOrpHzy-EVDzYdRNjnIFzfZS09JtgloPsFQn5MsM2ct8IdwzfZgGPJFciZaG4F1z2L3XAWBX_ei_YAoxaPQraKf29JWOzk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj05IcwkTAIkHANpW3kR-z9lPcxYpvnnzeFKTs_MaS63fxcD8R0g7r7rrB04-96Q1C1qwiXTJt1NB_ys88hG0GCSyeACMItQNOrpHzy-EVDzYdRNjnIFzfZS09JtgloPsFQn5MsM2ct8IdwzfZgGPJFciZaG4F1z2L3XAWBX_ei_YAoxaPQraKf29JWOzk" width="639" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Hopefully you are not tiring of seeing the deer because, let's be honest here, neither Bruce nor I are!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Last Saturday we were meant to go on a hike with some church friends, however, with a rainy forecast, it was cancelled. Late in the morning however, it began clearing up, so I suggested we go to a place called Cherokee Lake off HWY 294. We've been there once before and enjoyed it, but the real reason I wanted to visit was to see the local birds. Turns out there was just one other person in Cherokee County that recored their bird sightings and that person saw all manner of birds at the aforementioned place. Before we go further, check this email out, or at least part of it:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">We want to </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">send a huge thank you</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"> to everyone who participated. More than </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">600,000 people </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">from <span style="font-weight: bold;">209 countries or regions</span> were out birding February 16-19, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">found 7,842 species</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">We had more than <span style="font-weight: bold;">350 community birding events</span> reported</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"> Birds truly brought the world together for GBBC.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">Super cool, right? Also, what do you think of this font size? Is it easier to read? Should I keep it? </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">Anyway, arriving there, the gate was closed, apparently until about April so it is likely that the man walked in. Instead, we decided to take in three states in one road trip! First we landed in Ducktown, followed by Copper Hill, TN, and McCaysville, GA, the later two share a main street!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjG9qbovJKKFSlfWe9fnYMJWFV34rT8upKFVWmLPmvF2JDMPUSH9_rNJWCuBiYNQq5pTpNz8ziuUpu6gKAXzJJtnFoa87R8NRs9a58FdJulj7rPPLpOB4sLvjYfFYm59kZDwJh17d19HQ92iUelW5UVokfcfCtMGjAwwzH59_pE7PnzeaGAfOYueevl7K4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3072" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjG9qbovJKKFSlfWe9fnYMJWFV34rT8upKFVWmLPmvF2JDMPUSH9_rNJWCuBiYNQq5pTpNz8ziuUpu6gKAXzJJtnFoa87R8NRs9a58FdJulj7rPPLpOB4sLvjYfFYm59kZDwJh17d19HQ92iUelW5UVokfcfCtMGjAwwzH59_pE7PnzeaGAfOYueevl7K4" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;">Nancy used to live in Bristol, TN which did the same with Bristol, VA! </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">Obviously, copper was king around those parts.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLPekBSCbxQVVAyanbPq8D3g2xd869u0nJuIY-mriw9nD6IaDpHgfMMoml1c5oPQ5WBJr6bD4S2S0bjAFtQHnuVI9U6JmQrYt-rKPpR3Hnsc8oTxEcGphgXRCEu8Q3Tl8nRhy_33da49oTVI0H8Wv2VCKGnpTq7fXPp__-cMScAYYnvAc-Nb95KuN2lHQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLPekBSCbxQVVAyanbPq8D3g2xd869u0nJuIY-mriw9nD6IaDpHgfMMoml1c5oPQ5WBJr6bD4S2S0bjAFtQHnuVI9U6JmQrYt-rKPpR3Hnsc8oTxEcGphgXRCEu8Q3Tl8nRhy_33da49oTVI0H8Wv2VCKGnpTq7fXPp__-cMScAYYnvAc-Nb95KuN2lHQ" width="639" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><u>Super exciting</u> to me was seeing a blooming tree that, while it does not rival our gorgeous Tabebuia trees that are now blooming back home, it is wonderful just the same.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg21LJQ0E06znd_5Izesbi-xsiJ_QdlBs7EvLFrebob6fM7SM5F-yk1TjKdmWDUZYCwRu8xft96ORbqWeDZA42ZiesJkzN9XA0Yh4ycwDf6B9Ek3WUKoGqGJEu20d4TPFvC8eHiYOh1z3vHgYMw0jtIhcXIKpW6GTwUbOB3ELTKOlJaUkcDBWaObJJ4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg21LJQ0E06znd_5Izesbi-xsiJ_QdlBs7EvLFrebob6fM7SM5F-yk1TjKdmWDUZYCwRu8xft96ORbqWeDZA42ZiesJkzN9XA0Yh4ycwDf6B9Ek3WUKoGqGJEu20d4TPFvC8eHiYOh1z3vHgYMw0jtIhcXIKpW6GTwUbOB3ELTKOlJaUkcDBWaObJJ4618=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;">BTW, birds are flying back and forth out the bedroom window where I am typing this. No telling if they have already emptied the feeder that was filled this morning, entirely not out of the realm of possibility as we have learned. </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">Back to the matter at hand...</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">A souvenir shop carried these fun things.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj62h1PT_BlNRe2rYjrGcwHDVIo_bWA1trl3VsbmRpxpoxH8ZMXXc1gqX-b15pEZhFVwfXZYUZSA-Rx1PvdluvXYKMFQco4EznN5HRiFdN4kepDl9wPKB5I-grnVbd4wEPN8swmZhGL9NvlO6xGCzaSiir9sFNp-3OZdQDnG2Sqo9y7R4v3qJXIXx4ORdk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2962" data-original-width="4443" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj62h1PT_BlNRe2rYjrGcwHDVIo_bWA1trl3VsbmRpxpoxH8ZMXXc1gqX-b15pEZhFVwfXZYUZSA-Rx1PvdluvXYKMFQco4EznN5HRiFdN4kepDl9wPKB5I-grnVbd4wEPN8swmZhGL9NvlO6xGCzaSiir9sFNp-3OZdQDnG2Sqo9y7R4v3qJXIXx4ORdk=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;">What the heck, I had to document Bruce standing in GA while I am standing in TN.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqNsu4fhbyjbY3bJNzpVXAH3wjAakIjU9u1iUCkgddrfW5WlLynbLSMuZYqYEPduFW2ykkSL16BNERpuFAIJE4ij-e8Y-bk1J4_xZ5bJ19PeEiyZgjxfUyJEqYtiAtdPSjmeGpslRMUlr4wzJrm5joyrkXrZv9Z2svmIdOeKYqOZO8rWYmPCR7nr04NLU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqNsu4fhbyjbY3bJNzpVXAH3wjAakIjU9u1iUCkgddrfW5WlLynbLSMuZYqYEPduFW2ykkSL16BNERpuFAIJE4ij-e8Y-bk1J4_xZ5bJ19PeEiyZgjxfUyJEqYtiAtdPSjmeGpslRMUlr4wzJrm5joyrkXrZv9Z2svmIdOeKYqOZO8rWYmPCR7nr04NLU=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;">It's a vibrant downtown due to the influx of tourists all summer long from the Blue Ridge Railway. As such, an entrepreneur thought to build this building where we had a scrumptious pizza. On a warmer day this will be a beautiful spot to watch the world go by.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEittWwkGiNPt_iGgN5CrhVO0qR5Lv7IegLqMhHKBSMM2ThyxGJkvuWE6ZbRvOwqoTwg_iLKiCBeU_8D218wrWnQkhu8r9_mgE_ldJDnan6pvY1X6s2fu0u90Heabxzt4QaxIF-6Xs3322rJzm4QdaP7_rw0Jr0kYZp1bfP5NZHyz86wF4Jn25WF5NbnEY0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEittWwkGiNPt_iGgN5CrhVO0qR5Lv7IegLqMhHKBSMM2ThyxGJkvuWE6ZbRvOwqoTwg_iLKiCBeU_8D218wrWnQkhu8r9_mgE_ldJDnan6pvY1X6s2fu0u90Heabxzt4QaxIF-6Xs3322rJzm4QdaP7_rw0Jr0kYZp1bfP5NZHyz86wF4Jn25WF5NbnEY0=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;">We went into an antique shop and when I saw this covered fruit bowl, and I use that term loosely, I was happy to part with $8.00.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgknHZjsmDAq9oMcXbOpHCwJKRtIkIJFQsrhs3vPPWJF0BBbhq0htGlhS6ijGKTWRUu4-YOj6Klgw2gciiSmwT8-EZfvyhADdEATT_gOG652G8fzEKu2Cx0rl5IoTFU_YqiGnFYfnMO98prrMMQZIggEgAMcrFX5Ov5wBVxuQTrVRktIgt8Si72ug3D8ws" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3159" data-original-width="4076" height="495" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgknHZjsmDAq9oMcXbOpHCwJKRtIkIJFQsrhs3vPPWJF0BBbhq0htGlhS6ijGKTWRUu4-YOj6Klgw2gciiSmwT8-EZfvyhADdEATT_gOG652G8fzEKu2Cx0rl5IoTFU_YqiGnFYfnMO98prrMMQZIggEgAMcrFX5Ov5wBVxuQTrVRktIgt8Si72ug3D8ws=w640-h495" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;">One thing we noticed immediately is that TN was much greener than where we are.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8arzHPhRgx3ETzs_0mD4wgkuZbZYIydo-xXphnmoSax1dEm_S1KmBf1EFNuPP5PdfjUda6oL0R-nJ0XsYU0PiQlHNw4i-ga__7WB1djYWxhigt2y3ToO-kD2062k5CvGoxCEDmfCKj5CmPQHF5hhUkfNS9EOwgmq-wXOyEs5e74SN2oYSA_LV4mW9FYw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8arzHPhRgx3ETzs_0mD4wgkuZbZYIydo-xXphnmoSax1dEm_S1KmBf1EFNuPP5PdfjUda6oL0R-nJ0XsYU0PiQlHNw4i-ga__7WB1djYWxhigt2y3ToO-kD2062k5CvGoxCEDmfCKj5CmPQHF5hhUkfNS9EOwgmq-wXOyEs5e74SN2oYSA_LV4mW9FYw=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;">We are standing at a river outfitters, I think Ocoee Whitewater or something like that. Anyway, it almost felt strange seeing all of the green. We think it is because, and maybe you recall this, that when trying to recover from the disaster that was copper smelting that killed every bit of vegetation within a fifty mile radius, they planted pines. Purely speculation on our part why there are so many pine trees. I love the cloud shadows on the mountains.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDSGKud0E1KNeBApaayYEs9g6x-eMblFF7s3Ynt8vWn4m8tiyIFN9_MP7ar9yhPwxyH-cAItylHm2ypxUAOC5XTYVDIc7nE5x__f8BZ0fqOC5jgOQW3d-76btFLlhNaJOon_qQHAoTghrQ3JGJxj6CyLK3OBuZ5DviDWwpZrow5wHy7vbUITm6TvQ7KQI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDSGKud0E1KNeBApaayYEs9g6x-eMblFF7s3Ynt8vWn4m8tiyIFN9_MP7ar9yhPwxyH-cAItylHm2ypxUAOC5XTYVDIc7nE5x__f8BZ0fqOC5jgOQW3d-76btFLlhNaJOon_qQHAoTghrQ3JGJxj6CyLK3OBuZ5DviDWwpZrow5wHy7vbUITm6TvQ7KQI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;">Illustrating the difference when we were nearing Murphy on our return journey, not only check out the bare trees, but those houses amongst them!</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgX0-31IagIu0htedzDbk0B3u445metMVTM5aKyvHp_I1fvoYkQEThXZIPPDK7K7RULMONZq7eIK08d4r4QY2WEzWUDHe9C56k6l4UGMcKxsV5ez-zyNWh5WgTms7btKjHcvoU34sema628IxU3K-MKD6SNn0-eHaxOVDTy6Ezg3M29_SywHaWDrgl6umQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgX0-31IagIu0htedzDbk0B3u445metMVTM5aKyvHp_I1fvoYkQEThXZIPPDK7K7RULMONZq7eIK08d4r4QY2WEzWUDHe9C56k6l4UGMcKxsV5ez-zyNWh5WgTms7btKjHcvoU34sema628IxU3K-MKD6SNn0-eHaxOVDTy6Ezg3M29_SywHaWDrgl6umQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;">Concluding, and I was planning on keeping this a secret, but I am just too excited to do so. THIS morning, look what I saw!</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCavPn5dNnHnLzPWBzfy3BjriH28boEW-D5Ksj2L2BNJMi_mma7EiS7twdkmCdUWrtxf1uSz9NMhAB4UZO0a5W__jA5KNgsliKAOewJPPFjeLbZyx26U66226i-1ihFNN6dGxj2uoRw1Iunnc6saBYOI6Qi9bWy4Z4hzyf5bn5HQpeC0TD_6vxZnGnHpE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="3080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCavPn5dNnHnLzPWBzfy3BjriH28boEW-D5Ksj2L2BNJMi_mma7EiS7twdkmCdUWrtxf1uSz9NMhAB4UZO0a5W__jA5KNgsliKAOewJPPFjeLbZyx26U66226i-1ihFNN6dGxj2uoRw1Iunnc6saBYOI6Qi9bWy4Z4hzyf5bn5HQpeC0TD_6vxZnGnHpE=w571-h640" width="571" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;">Counting the days around here!! Will they or won't they?</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">your friend,</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">Gail</span></span></p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-79744019458765702462024-02-28T08:55:00.000-05:002024-02-28T08:55:03.592-05:00A Variety Show<p>My dear readers, having just realized that most of my posts of late feature a bird as the lead photo, let's change that up today, shall we?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvw7gCRP2h9UKsVna-Z0TCBueRHIAOjdqgVNDeo8vr1yydVwD9Ev5amb687TeHYDrCB-uofYjiaZVR-2Y4nsPFrnnKFJW45P5Vo3TxWT5ZJTNHpQAiBAopvo00hJMzcDYpAAh0bZ3McFR7CN7ysABHE8OxPrSkPDmmoqs35SaDHEaWfOJisOvo0pB1wHk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvw7gCRP2h9UKsVna-Z0TCBueRHIAOjdqgVNDeo8vr1yydVwD9Ev5amb687TeHYDrCB-uofYjiaZVR-2Y4nsPFrnnKFJW45P5Vo3TxWT5ZJTNHpQAiBAopvo00hJMzcDYpAAh0bZ3McFR7CN7ysABHE8OxPrSkPDmmoqs35SaDHEaWfOJisOvo0pB1wHk=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>Absolutely a common occurrence in my Florida posts, sunrises or sunsets every other post, but here my sight lines are a bit limited. <u>Not that I am complaining</u>, mind you, because Lord knows I am loving diminished sight lines as you well know. Of course with signs of spring happening before my very eyes, what is now limited will be many-fold (is that even a term???), before I know it. Let us enjoy those clear views as long as we are able!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUvZhGuLdTlB49Cly4bgANntXC9otfWIeTWvhRT1s0wtAxvSWFPzZSIKFFUVbFUJ-AIyGkoKSuGFjDIZSf_Ilnw1BhlMuCRACNu6FvoxHtRZRxjvHJbPXY40AzflnHts8p7_XnA6eaLKXyqsBUT6XysOzZ5cskdq_5m6uBFGaAE-JoNvfd2px5VxF5qsk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUvZhGuLdTlB49Cly4bgANntXC9otfWIeTWvhRT1s0wtAxvSWFPzZSIKFFUVbFUJ-AIyGkoKSuGFjDIZSf_Ilnw1BhlMuCRACNu6FvoxHtRZRxjvHJbPXY40AzflnHts8p7_XnA6eaLKXyqsBUT6XysOzZ5cskdq_5m6uBFGaAE-JoNvfd2px5VxF5qsk" width="639" /></a></div>The super cute and friendly Tufted Tit Mouse.puffed up in the cold, for those unfamiliar with bird types. Then again, if you are reading this I suspect you have learned a thing or two more about birds than ever before.<p></p><p>I swear I am getting, well I don't know what to call my lapses, but darn if I have not done it again! I made some poppy seed muffins and in a stroke of luck I tasted the batter, something I never, ever do, immediately discovering that I had neglected to add the sugar!!! Not before it was evenly distributed amongst the muffin cups, unfortunately. Nevertheless, with the price of groceries, including those poppy seeds, I had to find a solution. Removing the batter was pretty much out of the question so instead I put a tablespoon or so atop each cup of batter and stirred a bit. Not my very best by a long shot, but edible nonetheless.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFIPQYFNDXsrtFxWzX4CW5XnOaEtqBNMC4AIrwhGi59cMhnieLd78p2QT-mPQPL1sqOiubzaV3cSz-PLrwCbg61OO82kyRcdp0a2KOT_sCciEyKkr7kfgjPXgODC6rVCaKuCsuxpM-6WTsQ1i7PgHbVTiAMm-HTVnS__0Wy44fr_qZh4_9XCRTK5L-p28" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFIPQYFNDXsrtFxWzX4CW5XnOaEtqBNMC4AIrwhGi59cMhnieLd78p2QT-mPQPL1sqOiubzaV3cSz-PLrwCbg61OO82kyRcdp0a2KOT_sCciEyKkr7kfgjPXgODC6rVCaKuCsuxpM-6WTsQ1i7PgHbVTiAMm-HTVnS__0Wy44fr_qZh4_9XCRTK5L-p28=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>Redeeming myself a few days later I made some Heath bar chunks cookies for the first time, using the recipe on the back of the bag, and oh my gosh, are they delicious!!! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHToQrmnvyYZiK9wNZb2ktxOoQj-FcBUiPuENoJ0GJsbai66-dL9BDLw15QEZmobPAICp5FLa0_RkTh2faK2H3AKqsNNLV4iHcIH8TcT57b7uXNySRDTb93rz5bIFS515ALpGvJbmME3my6ACgDKGPQXuAhZZzmZ0opVsgl7nHTSvvQmsmrPvTLxcWvfc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHToQrmnvyYZiK9wNZb2ktxOoQj-FcBUiPuENoJ0GJsbai66-dL9BDLw15QEZmobPAICp5FLa0_RkTh2faK2H3AKqsNNLV4iHcIH8TcT57b7uXNySRDTb93rz5bIFS515ALpGvJbmME3my6ACgDKGPQXuAhZZzmZ0opVsgl7nHTSvvQmsmrPvTLxcWvfc" width="640" /></a></div>Really I have been cooking up a storm, especially while Bruce has been volunteering at church. No surprise there that he spent all of Thursday and a good part of Friday helping to paint the kitchen for the new Montessori pre-school that is opening next week. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwlu3klPtoim_Z5ZTjgX0w4A4av7FrKtUiOSdhs7oAyeMdG_WZLiJOAtvzHQCIYMKZnajftTZGAyilc7di3bUzOnSn0SQ84Uc1TEjtS4M8MYhO_WcmkoCX-Pzc6P5akoFay8JUBgkCoeUNjnCyVKzwkiiEuDhC5pOmfv9HHGKxbjhSjuxBKML7wFL8pVk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwlu3klPtoim_Z5ZTjgX0w4A4av7FrKtUiOSdhs7oAyeMdG_WZLiJOAtvzHQCIYMKZnajftTZGAyilc7di3bUzOnSn0SQ84Uc1TEjtS4M8MYhO_WcmkoCX-Pzc6P5akoFay8JUBgkCoeUNjnCyVKzwkiiEuDhC5pOmfv9HHGKxbjhSjuxBKML7wFL8pVk=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>So while he was there, I was making Thai Noodle Salad for lunch, a very tasty recipe that I brought from home. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgq555SnX4D7ugCkafwiuuxiWP9yOT_dnKap7ekszJdfAMb7I7HT202gxD3cF3XpMp9HTVlfcyIczEj2mExltfrEV_rpIUpaWvIGe2gDVF7OatbuSvvu2EcF8jsC0a2YCrHEa0EKZNG1fZ2Prf3DpgQWKaqAwnKdZCm-INQWel9MPYPZUzsbL9VXrBc0KE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2756" data-original-width="4135" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgq555SnX4D7ugCkafwiuuxiWP9yOT_dnKap7ekszJdfAMb7I7HT202gxD3cF3XpMp9HTVlfcyIczEj2mExltfrEV_rpIUpaWvIGe2gDVF7OatbuSvvu2EcF8jsC0a2YCrHEa0EKZNG1fZ2Prf3DpgQWKaqAwnKdZCm-INQWel9MPYPZUzsbL9VXrBc0KE=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>Using that awesome little chopper for the cabbage, carrots and radishes, it turned out good AND I even followed the instructions to the letter!<p></p><p>While we are on the subject of food prices, a week or so ago someone told me about a place we have seen since we've been here, Grocery Outlet. They told me it was good and you know me, I love both a bargain and a treasure hunt. Since Bruce was not keen on visiting the store, once I dropped him off at the church, and yes I did drive the car myself, I went in and after going through all of the aisles, I returned home with this haul for $21.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5VNZUbgk9HuTp9dS3npnVU1dvfMpyPo1DIdoGPOoOgz4_yaq-ufCZG9-R7BY8v3mZafLdFomH0OAevTjF_0EvatmOTysgv9ITQRIFZCbPfoi3bwemm3ILPvc-lC-m3N-NncWt3AS42kB0d-cLStpllgQLmtKUs_Kpjq2ILQCfcmb4jnlacXY9yMOJOTw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5VNZUbgk9HuTp9dS3npnVU1dvfMpyPo1DIdoGPOoOgz4_yaq-ufCZG9-R7BY8v3mZafLdFomH0OAevTjF_0EvatmOTysgv9ITQRIFZCbPfoi3bwemm3ILPvc-lC-m3N-NncWt3AS42kB0d-cLStpllgQLmtKUs_Kpjq2ILQCfcmb4jnlacXY9yMOJOTw=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>I was so impressed that when some cute young ladies asked for donations for their elementary school Bruce agreed to go and not only did we buy a bunch of stuff for the donation but we found the most amazing Peaches and Cream ice cream made since 1913 in Pennsylvania. Honestly <a href="https://greensicecream.com/">Green'</a>s is some of the best ice cream I have ever had and get this, only $2.50!!! I'm really not much of an ice cream person, but there is just something about this flavor/brand that is amazing. If I had more room in the freezer I would most certainly buy a second one in the size that they pass off as half gallon these days. <p></p><p>As I say, I have been cooking up a storm lately, well actually, is that anything new? Probably not. But still, with that in mind, on a cloudy Saturday morning we went for a little drive and came across Brasstown Beef, finding it open this time. That is still something that trips us up from time to time. Diminished winter hours.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhffDJASLH-LnBj9aixAKmB8Ak9VdW_QhHJLE6bo8zGsEdP_KINiKVHJR8GylmyRoTfed8JdxwKUuI8hn7v5mtKq1Fhqu5Bm7iqXsorvJBxcNXOEPbU1E7PtiSrvu8Fp8PrwTR2wJoZG5TN6-zvjpkudcgqR1upf1-nG7S8B7SaNtm1b1i1-4fAu2Yfyjw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2731" data-original-width="3647" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhffDJASLH-LnBj9aixAKmB8Ak9VdW_QhHJLE6bo8zGsEdP_KINiKVHJR8GylmyRoTfed8JdxwKUuI8hn7v5mtKq1Fhqu5Bm7iqXsorvJBxcNXOEPbU1E7PtiSrvu8Fp8PrwTR2wJoZG5TN6-zvjpkudcgqR1upf1-nG7S8B7SaNtm1b1i1-4fAu2Yfyjw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Raised right on the property, we bought some items and let's just say they lived up to their billing. While I cannot confirm it myself, or really don't want to take the time to do so, their beef is sold in places like Burn's Steakhouse in Tampa. We enjoyed some super tasty meals, that's for sure.<p></p><p>That area is called Brasstown and it is really pretty, probably even more so in a month or so.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4BXVL07rleOc_hnvjxS6dJ7NbZmoT1Y6rMiHA9efHHXuY0u1SGb7QaVwzCgUqCY8t_zYHOnQaMXuQx4oTi-MlfgPsm6gxZNx2TXWNNDj5iUSULUoQ54ciBt9vOf4Nv6QkO14-rRHDcgmTg1hvAAYp1dri2VIToqdMOOfho-lqvqtEhs-cQ2MuPpg7tvs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4BXVL07rleOc_hnvjxS6dJ7NbZmoT1Y6rMiHA9efHHXuY0u1SGb7QaVwzCgUqCY8t_zYHOnQaMXuQx4oTi-MlfgPsm6gxZNx2TXWNNDj5iUSULUoQ54ciBt9vOf4Nv6QkO14-rRHDcgmTg1hvAAYp1dri2VIToqdMOOfho-lqvqtEhs-cQ2MuPpg7tvs=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Following church on Sunday we took a drive in the country on the other side of Murphy and discovered that it too, is lovely. It seems like we have stayed so busy to date that we have only scratched the surface of this area's beauty.<p></p><p>Last week, must have been Wednesday afternoon as we were heading to the gym/river walk, we saw a huge plume of smoke right outside town. Seriously huge ,so we found a spot where we could watch it up close. My goodness, it was really something.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb5YNUhd_pZaI0w6mQ2Hb63XUZ1vhcDPxxqBbUKyKLR33RpRRRijzUsqZsUEC85r6BHECA-qYrx8wsFUSyKx8-MBm-QMgGSGp1-7dHwgSae4tJ51S7MZNt2TZrCThXbM33EWtfwDG2Uu329dX7DTCVL_ZanIDzK5NqFC8RP4OfB2kMR3jQiZ1pxwup-Tw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb5YNUhd_pZaI0w6mQ2Hb63XUZ1vhcDPxxqBbUKyKLR33RpRRRijzUsqZsUEC85r6BHECA-qYrx8wsFUSyKx8-MBm-QMgGSGp1-7dHwgSae4tJ51S7MZNt2TZrCThXbM33EWtfwDG2Uu329dX7DTCVL_ZanIDzK5NqFC8RP4OfB2kMR3jQiZ1pxwup-Tw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Do you see the orange glow? Several things to note here, one of which is a lot of what you are seeing is dried kudzu, which as it turns out, birds seem to love to hide in. The crackle of the fire was crazy, as was the popping and the bird calls that we clearly heard above the roar of the fire. We heard the wail of fire truck sirens within minutes and soon thereafter the sound of whooshing water began. The tower of smoke changed color to white.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaDn0UyVlvq1grkYR1euxZrDzJ8LBgrNBwvb7CJ-hyjGvnGuIKXPlZNavZVA3DYKeOlMdYPK5ZUeh7dLriDDjjFezvpwKfA_qPK4I2Mlqt-D4ADRh4_6wt_b5ZzccOvH_HBGz8i-T4nneUepjLj7VjQHyxOvfDsi5Hj9-GEtFzrcXo86wLUbxzsEFtSdk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaDn0UyVlvq1grkYR1euxZrDzJ8LBgrNBwvb7CJ-hyjGvnGuIKXPlZNavZVA3DYKeOlMdYPK5ZUeh7dLriDDjjFezvpwKfA_qPK4I2Mlqt-D4ADRh4_6wt_b5ZzccOvH_HBGz8i-T4nneUepjLj7VjQHyxOvfDsi5Hj9-GEtFzrcXo86wLUbxzsEFtSdk=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Standing in the parking lot of the Catholic church, we knew it was a significant fire, but it was soon confirmed when a young man came speeding up and raced out of his truck, but not before he told us that the burning house belonged in his family for four generations! Back in Orlando, all this would be on the local news ad nauseam, however, the only local news, probably aside from facebook, is the <i>Cherokee Scout</i> that comes out once a week on Wednesday. Or, so we thought! A recent acquaintance told us it could be picked up at the box outside the <i>Scout</i> office on Tuesday afternoon which we have now found to be true. Front page news it was and while I have not yet read the whole article I do know it was a three story wood frame home. More as I learn about more.<p></p><p>Speaking of the river walk, I noticed that the door was open at what Lori recently told me was called the rock gym. Probably another name is official, but presumably that is what folks call it. We have driven by it multiple times a week since we have been here and I really thought it was not in use. Wrong! Apparently it is more than 100 years old and very unusual looking to my more modern eyes. I popped in and found a girl's basketball team practicing under the guidance of a man who told me he'd been coaching for decades.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm14ebennlCQyNx7EE6u7gICddMSXBPCj5rKLuEox1v2V7ObKZNSM8ZmEvlabCbkcoUdegHAel0N_8_MeThhjJp-JA_qZ0lUs3MrgaeACcdP9jaNqHLGUGmfP_FNo8zF1i2SPbzH6mb1EVEdok3RtWcqPejt1sphtn59X1vnQb9pKXPIXcLyeupNauofg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm14ebennlCQyNx7EE6u7gICddMSXBPCj5rKLuEox1v2V7ObKZNSM8ZmEvlabCbkcoUdegHAel0N_8_MeThhjJp-JA_qZ0lUs3MrgaeACcdP9jaNqHLGUGmfP_FNo8zF1i2SPbzH6mb1EVEdok3RtWcqPejt1sphtn59X1vnQb9pKXPIXcLyeupNauofg" width="640" /></a></div>The walls look quite similar on the outside. All in all, a cozy place with a regional exterior.<p></p><p>In our younger years, we spent hours and hours watching our sons play sports and particularly baseball. I mentioned that the park is coming to life with people and activity. I feel quite nostalgic being so close to it all, watching the practice fields fill with both softball and baseball players and their volunteer coaches. Some work is being done on both the dugouts and the fields.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZdOzyfIy_FBjjsCgzMfIdzihKzIgQfgSgsaq1aQNo95OpeBvPGNZ8rnXXcTk0lqnKAKVkUyo_J6kSqAJEQZXOQ4SzTsrX4OX7lNIc8xCMhYsg2MyOQSp7eVnAxlqpjgYwrjmbOXnv1Uo7uevFR0GJa9D2f171plMealbrsQJxNwtRKL7DLz-69QsoMUw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2745" data-original-width="4079" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZdOzyfIy_FBjjsCgzMfIdzihKzIgQfgSgsaq1aQNo95OpeBvPGNZ8rnXXcTk0lqnKAKVkUyo_J6kSqAJEQZXOQ4SzTsrX4OX7lNIc8xCMhYsg2MyOQSp7eVnAxlqpjgYwrjmbOXnv1Uo7uevFR0GJa9D2f171plMealbrsQJxNwtRKL7DLz-69QsoMUw=w640-h430" width="640" /></a></div>The lengthening days, and really, pretty mild weather for this time of year, make for a place where the locals are gathering. The river is a bit of an allure for folks like me. (pickleball courts behind the fence on the left)<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjKwLOgEdvT60meMoGSUU_Qr3-vrF95KZt3qELk2ZL-0Ld7w_8doYt9SjrlLex6JJDadKr_0OOqh2updK3QmRtQ9hN0MVYquXYGMGEYkjrylCwk9ZjYQZaHxR2uhoEAgy-bsrlM-5A6qqpTE6MB-NkV0ravqy0OejW5BZs2dz5glhgvWBcoEoMb-SyObI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjKwLOgEdvT60meMoGSUU_Qr3-vrF95KZt3qELk2ZL-0Ld7w_8doYt9SjrlLex6JJDadKr_0OOqh2updK3QmRtQ9hN0MVYquXYGMGEYkjrylCwk9ZjYQZaHxR2uhoEAgy-bsrlM-5A6qqpTE6MB-NkV0ravqy0OejW5BZs2dz5glhgvWBcoEoMb-SyObI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br />Oh my goodness, just down the street, impulsively I made an appointment and finally had my hair done and the less said about it the better.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_80eaC85xrkEiWt5lfeSuEIMfjPrLD2F5X1XD0WKFHWP0DAgYunF4MlYr0f0emfBgOPSyiTBgr272ENu7dasPR3rMgFoXW0vgqjLcNhWwQBQPDh9l7jNaFcLdBO-UweTyrWZoFwff76ROrd5gpBA_w-DuXsJRhHpbpySpsuGVTyTeEYLYLHZ3OOdLjO8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_80eaC85xrkEiWt5lfeSuEIMfjPrLD2F5X1XD0WKFHWP0DAgYunF4MlYr0f0emfBgOPSyiTBgr272ENu7dasPR3rMgFoXW0vgqjLcNhWwQBQPDh9l7jNaFcLdBO-UweTyrWZoFwff76ROrd5gpBA_w-DuXsJRhHpbpySpsuGVTyTeEYLYLHZ3OOdLjO8=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div>Try as I might, the young woman could not be coaxed into conversation. Three hours of being uncomfortable for this gregarious lady was, while torture is a bit strong, it is not entirely out of the realm of what I was feeling!<p></p><p>Let's go back to our little slice of heaven. One afternoon I looked out the glass doors and by golly, this is what I saw in front of our dear landlords home.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmKkDQ5j7upCQeG_ZuFnVFqaRbCrQUh2ZOJAPfnMJ5xsz5uXQSx82hbYJFs6biMH1Ui0E7cLduHJcYF60uP8xh2kC9ecv1tu9DLJ-30NDXkUsJntnunq5yrdcEO0qfwaGGrxWcjOAbACKCPTLvCUOi7yOCewU_VJFCPC3cg3KIZP124ONAcRC3mmJrw5U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmKkDQ5j7upCQeG_ZuFnVFqaRbCrQUh2ZOJAPfnMJ5xsz5uXQSx82hbYJFs6biMH1Ui0E7cLduHJcYF60uP8xh2kC9ecv1tu9DLJ-30NDXkUsJntnunq5yrdcEO0qfwaGGrxWcjOAbACKCPTLvCUOi7yOCewU_VJFCPC3cg3KIZP124ONAcRC3mmJrw5U" width="640" /></a></div>With a bird feeder you hope to get birds so seeing them is not nearly as magical as it is seeing seven deer out of the clear blue. So far, those experiences are not getting old!<p></p><p>Take a look at this Brown Thrasher enjoying the suet cake, and while you are at it, notice the narcissus too.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGOUu_ypO4yjsa3gK9LlTWf8quvmMsaHfzcJrUrvBcvFcBgD5XIoQQ8_dT0QJotk7drNGJV-srTXDc4ildMWjDskoQaJSKiIYHpdkbu58LvmOfHysq4ekdXnpgXT03gX71b35K8bpdjCT2RUOz4cscZef_GC90LLupSWz7uTs37KtNNtQ05MzaF4YR-wc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGOUu_ypO4yjsa3gK9LlTWf8quvmMsaHfzcJrUrvBcvFcBgD5XIoQQ8_dT0QJotk7drNGJV-srTXDc4ildMWjDskoQaJSKiIYHpdkbu58LvmOfHysq4ekdXnpgXT03gX71b35K8bpdjCT2RUOz4cscZef_GC90LLupSWz7uTs37KtNNtQ05MzaF4YR-wc=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Isn't that yellow eye cool? They do not come to feeders, instead they hop around on the ground eating what they find. <p></p><p>Finishing my breakfast and standing beside the window I told Bruce that it is hard to adequately describe the action of the birds. Laura guessed there were a hundred and perhaps there are. So many, many little birds. And some bigger ones too, including loads of people's favorite.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEyhe8DBwcwflPS66A_5Bxn8AfVzTx1826i_dnpgZCCM5UPzHBSRLsYpeY0Xc1zzXKMSymWezN27OJIFunnS28pawdvMXSzD5bMIBwoCVU_nst8Ky_S4kufwQTGJGg8NOsl_yb6FSArE6Sa4gXtVNX7p_lzMs2L_ucBukzT8EAZh0iuxgZmnt-BHGq0bQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEyhe8DBwcwflPS66A_5Bxn8AfVzTx1826i_dnpgZCCM5UPzHBSRLsYpeY0Xc1zzXKMSymWezN27OJIFunnS28pawdvMXSzD5bMIBwoCVU_nst8Ky_S4kufwQTGJGg8NOsl_yb6FSArE6Sa4gXtVNX7p_lzMs2L_ucBukzT8EAZh0iuxgZmnt-BHGq0bQ" width="639" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gosh hasn't it been fun being in the thick of the action? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Always lots more to say, but the day is calling, however, in another exciting development, after weeks of waiting we had a daffodil bud.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizjYEoR4Q2dzZQkhUjehL6ntgM5MZ2U-NhW4Wq1qSGAzhzvwN6g9Tl8gJkwXvMVCPM6Nu4Ke6E9YMnOzwxZP3dKMhcKdlsbOMW0YXAoCidKqTocwxyDXUzS6pWqe0JQMqPv7Gmht2R8tIfy3X_7_eYSpXhjq_GHHr00CNKCJuGfOvK0CQ0RvESjqvrEpw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizjYEoR4Q2dzZQkhUjehL6ntgM5MZ2U-NhW4Wq1qSGAzhzvwN6g9Tl8gJkwXvMVCPM6Nu4Ke6E9YMnOzwxZP3dKMhcKdlsbOMW0YXAoCidKqTocwxyDXUzS6pWqe0JQMqPv7Gmht2R8tIfy3X_7_eYSpXhjq_GHHr00CNKCJuGfOvK0CQ0RvESjqvrEpw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>You know what? Now we have three daffodils on that same plant. Tune in next time as it is happening my dear readers.....flower time!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">your friend,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gail</div><p></p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-40013777248548809042024-02-23T11:11:00.000-05:002024-02-23T11:11:17.139-05:00A Somewhat Local Park and Surprisingly, Birds!<p>Before we head over to Meeks Park in nearby Blairsville, I've got a few things to report. One is that, after all these months, we have an unwelcome visitor outside our living room window and even worse, he sometimes brings a buddy, like this morning when there were literally dozens and dozens of birds, either at the feeders or on the ground. The two squirrels arrived, chasing one another up the tree and down, causing a mass exodus.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUgH4a8uvMWPqav7OBrdyrXNNTxsIVZNNhKfKtn-Dfttk2D-coAaMsgKr51CeOuL14Z_X3epZyEsO0FXVkiswHEbAnDgfrSrxvoYIgrAwYrqnZ8SrErB4bW16B2YGEiozC5GgitaCveauOFSj2WjNFAKx--oC99LHtyJ7TwVwwvfIG9zy51z8jPYh8T-c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUgH4a8uvMWPqav7OBrdyrXNNTxsIVZNNhKfKtn-Dfttk2D-coAaMsgKr51CeOuL14Z_X3epZyEsO0FXVkiswHEbAnDgfrSrxvoYIgrAwYrqnZ8SrErB4bW16B2YGEiozC5GgitaCveauOFSj2WjNFAKx--oC99LHtyJ7TwVwwvfIG9zy51z8jPYh8T-c=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>It is quite the site seeing that many small birds take off at once! Sometimes they do that same thing and it always puzzles me. I wonder what do they feel that they all fly off en masse? Do they even have feelings? So far I have seen very few raptors, so that can't be it, unlike at home where hawks are everywhere. Honestly, I even wonder how the heck they have all found the feeders, after all, this is a 10 acre property, so what is it? How do they even know it is there? One of the many, many mysteries of life I suppose. <p></p><p>There are so many that we've just bought another 50 pound bag of seed as the first batch is down to one small container. This morning, while sitting beside the window and watching their movements, the sheer number of them was astounding, primarily Goldfinch and Pine Siskins, with a few other solitary birds in the mix. There were four Mourning Doves, the most ever, that is until the squirrels chased them off. Back to the squirrels, surprisingly they have not even attempted to get to the feeders, probably because the ground below has plenty, and I mean plenty of seed to consume. See above! Below, this feeder lasts a little more than one day.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRvSi29WxMMj_u_pfjn8cFypVp9eEfpyYOB6h59CEVV2TxVbt0svxtK22Y6kpQncn4EXdmsNk2MEBz2HnD-nxAZhXwrTQ2fE5ILLfDXWUrwfEzEBTekaqV2SpPs3LLjaS0IZjBX3NHxw5iZLUsRSTq-FbzqjwN45wugfJuww386yT3NirInY66fIekv2Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3346" data-original-width="4493" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRvSi29WxMMj_u_pfjn8cFypVp9eEfpyYOB6h59CEVV2TxVbt0svxtK22Y6kpQncn4EXdmsNk2MEBz2HnD-nxAZhXwrTQ2fE5ILLfDXWUrwfEzEBTekaqV2SpPs3LLjaS0IZjBX3NHxw5iZLUsRSTq-FbzqjwN45wugfJuww386yT3NirInY66fIekv2Y=w640-h476" width="640" /></a></div>I will say that there is plenty of entertainment value from that $26.00 bag of seed!<p></p><p>Patti called me the other day saying she had just recently read a blog post that featured the bluebird couple. My response was that they had not returned, much to our sorrow. Well, apparently she brought us good luck because look who did come back, both the day pictured below, and yesterday morning as we were leaving for me to drive Bruce to church where he had volunteered to help paint. One of them even went in the nest box for a look-see. Will they nest there? That is the $64,000 question!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixMIoaaD3KZzt0wKzJVrmynWBQYKdu5Gt16KnpqmNyrf71jDHmdBJ0r0y_uKfAk9IsWRo6ZHF4MwoLL0nJvOo1aGnF6VBF3ftnywP96NW1iv8-lrBmsYvIy2kyM2zy936gLj29JaPtZAM0EufcnFn47rBvLZZUzZhKHBuuA9gJ8vzgz-34LNqENO73Oq4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2555" data-original-width="3311" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixMIoaaD3KZzt0wKzJVrmynWBQYKdu5Gt16KnpqmNyrf71jDHmdBJ0r0y_uKfAk9IsWRo6ZHF4MwoLL0nJvOo1aGnF6VBF3ftnywP96NW1iv8-lrBmsYvIy2kyM2zy936gLj29JaPtZAM0EufcnFn47rBvLZZUzZhKHBuuA9gJ8vzgz-34LNqENO73Oq4=w640-h494" width="640" /></a></div>I got off track because I am so excited about the birds, but secondly, I meant to report last week that on February 14, 2007 I began writing <i>Camera Crazy</i>. Now that is crazy, and even crazier is that I have no intention of quitting any time soon! From being a college student who was dealing with a mysterious illness to typing this post in a tiny town in North Carolina, and everything in between, all can be found on the webpages that make up our online story. All fours sons married, Bruce's mom died, Carol and Maureen died along with others near and dear to us. I've said it before, and I will say it again, the best part of being a blogger is that <u>all events are reported as they happen.</u> Well maybe a week or so later, but you get my drift. No relying on this poor memory!<p></p><p>Two more things before we head out on our field trip in this post and that is this picture of Charlotte's Cottage and the plants surrounding it. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDDMcCe8p8xA66yn1MrSwIWBZUOaifvk9yfdxbicFHpr7FyruiYs7NrXVdAokioO7bvqlCsQaWIQHMcWz7-dEMnbrDByoe4JbQsZABQ3G8BUsk9ElPoku9c2zdHbZjLcRsdU0NCgJWXWZ0k4j_2m5mwXDFTNsmxa20vmNs-TtTxYpqa2K_Fod357xBCE8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDDMcCe8p8xA66yn1MrSwIWBZUOaifvk9yfdxbicFHpr7FyruiYs7NrXVdAokioO7bvqlCsQaWIQHMcWz7-dEMnbrDByoe4JbQsZABQ3G8BUsk9ElPoku9c2zdHbZjLcRsdU0NCgJWXWZ0k4j_2m5mwXDFTNsmxa20vmNs-TtTxYpqa2K_Fod357xBCE8=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>It won't be long before this all changes, <u>along with my clear view of the birdies,</u> but I guess I will cross that bridge when we come to it. As it happens, I will be posting photos, (surprise, surprise) and we can all enjoy the change of season together.<p></p><p>Lastly inside the cottage I was refolding my clothes and realized that this is a first for me; nearly everything in the drawer is a solid color. Where are the prints??? At home in Orlando, that's where.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3o2rFHjLhG633hI8HyZ3yCpnLvj0RII5RYmIL4QYbZuKCHiryXu_TnFZrIs6aO_SZ1tAhbNyiJqpfhEOLlO7nthFXad9GdZtDG7WoZXHZxgzdf1k32dlApgZplVqGi3kQigSYUyGBo1SSiq6gz3JbazKYHZjIl6YYISYVXV_mNc6qy3bWqVEdOZ705cQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2876" data-original-width="4315" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3o2rFHjLhG633hI8HyZ3yCpnLvj0RII5RYmIL4QYbZuKCHiryXu_TnFZrIs6aO_SZ1tAhbNyiJqpfhEOLlO7nthFXad9GdZtDG7WoZXHZxgzdf1k32dlApgZplVqGi3kQigSYUyGBo1SSiq6gz3JbazKYHZjIl6YYISYVXV_mNc6qy3bWqVEdOZ705cQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>People are always asking us our intentions and our response is that we are still in the experimental stage. I will keep you posted, if, or when, things change.<p></p><p>Okay, let's go to Diane's house and see her and the chickens.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgC725SC95GZgXo4bVQ0vPvIqPedUuEKyx-kkmlOvsjG0EcNQyLOV-f8gs1jW3CuIzoj7z4hT0eBABwKSRqSiSPUbr3tBTIIueHib5Ulj-xMVjcada0-pGTfoCle0tiuxCEnIPhXXPsoR2NO39l02ZBStlXB5erpYL7C7E36_ilO2-HF7FEGoiJdB0DliA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgC725SC95GZgXo4bVQ0vPvIqPedUuEKyx-kkmlOvsjG0EcNQyLOV-f8gs1jW3CuIzoj7z4hT0eBABwKSRqSiSPUbr3tBTIIueHib5Ulj-xMVjcada0-pGTfoCle0tiuxCEnIPhXXPsoR2NO39l02ZBStlXB5erpYL7C7E36_ilO2-HF7FEGoiJdB0DliA" width="640" /></a></div>All eleven have names should you wonder! I believe I mentioned that Lori took me to see her nearby house and what a treat it was. A highlight was the beautiful koi pond in her front yard, such as it is. Actually, they have acreage, as do many folks around here.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioLhPNB7GMUpVQxMHSzWEBRjDf92mySFgFPhiqSkwxJ_DHrXIaHl5_A5JNg8woDF6VAAqfLZkuawKd--6KLXLoGv6DN0jYDK0hcRVTQu-KjvEXFo_RHuO83Ou1HV-GkDipI07QP6J2GgMJTFqAljyPwMe_It_o-_inDYrQeuoia5Q_o029uYI-vXDu8LM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioLhPNB7GMUpVQxMHSzWEBRjDf92mySFgFPhiqSkwxJ_DHrXIaHl5_A5JNg8woDF6VAAqfLZkuawKd--6KLXLoGv6DN0jYDK0hcRVTQu-KjvEXFo_RHuO83Ou1HV-GkDipI07QP6J2GgMJTFqAljyPwMe_It_o-_inDYrQeuoia5Q_o029uYI-vXDu8LM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Apparently, before long bulbs will be bursting with joy from the ground surrounding the pond. I can hardly wait for Spring. Nancy told me the other day I was going to go crazy and I suspect she is right! That would be one of the two Nancys I have met here. <p></p><p>After touring her lovely home, Lori took me to the nearby property with goats, along with a supporting cast of two pot bellied pigs,</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyXrl3lNHuauJc_q637hBpwlrW1roxV4dm2_vAgpcFv-E-KjzKhYaopqY122_lHDC2dAeha9gPps0NjhdwlUUl4R8DmFsBbgofy4Z-nbxVpUFer0TDkXA9u1A-kbrPRTiKZwlfrVv3HuVdXEOdvAQAlg84lWhwYn2R6RBq6pS3-RFnHMfVTqTVVGvhFug" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyXrl3lNHuauJc_q637hBpwlrW1roxV4dm2_vAgpcFv-E-KjzKhYaopqY122_lHDC2dAeha9gPps0NjhdwlUUl4R8DmFsBbgofy4Z-nbxVpUFer0TDkXA9u1A-kbrPRTiKZwlfrVv3HuVdXEOdvAQAlg84lWhwYn2R6RBq6pS3-RFnHMfVTqTVVGvhFug" width="640" /></a></div>and a beautiful donkey. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcgSmfZ01OlxJNofxQFKp5mAQxZ5MLmCWC17xQGugumk7fbheOwiF76XDEexUXh7oRnIVS3W7Y25vDmJ1HJd-_-DOHgsvvqqZ7b_Id4o53oUI32pZEUlQeszVQ7HZxb7TuqiKZ9CSL4EJPos54Ovi-CIg1pY2DBjst4qfZFhmPraHBE5AagPSaJEJzvDw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2752" data-original-width="3177" height="555" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcgSmfZ01OlxJNofxQFKp5mAQxZ5MLmCWC17xQGugumk7fbheOwiF76XDEexUXh7oRnIVS3W7Y25vDmJ1HJd-_-DOHgsvvqqZ7b_Id4o53oUI32pZEUlQeszVQ7HZxb7TuqiKZ9CSL4EJPos54Ovi-CIg1pY2DBjst4qfZFhmPraHBE5AagPSaJEJzvDw=w640-h555" width="640" /></a></div>The donkey used to have a companion until it was killed, I believe by a bobcat! The goats were so cute, including the billy goat whose ears reminded me of leather.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjad96_b26mEUxJqCUzu0KWFYmOxMUnGDJaNS_7jxN0kwlAdMnGRuwSpGQme65_bVS7nBGuFFektbOBHOmj_dlz2VBYrqB_wRQpp4ErGyF7PyfVKHLbgL1KwNrd8gEGzwTBED0TGiXz2mo0xFfWuONh6pYAZ-xiGevxLwMUtIjCMzszLkc8SMIChsfqwTM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjad96_b26mEUxJqCUzu0KWFYmOxMUnGDJaNS_7jxN0kwlAdMnGRuwSpGQme65_bVS7nBGuFFektbOBHOmj_dlz2VBYrqB_wRQpp4ErGyF7PyfVKHLbgL1KwNrd8gEGzwTBED0TGiXz2mo0xFfWuONh6pYAZ-xiGevxLwMUtIjCMzszLkc8SMIChsfqwTM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Kids!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG9uKzK6Uvd_jT9aNivcH3xH4DXGORv2OyEnAV-Cen-OjZu43gRpn0YBBGuSEEolVQs-FTjvLOM7CEKuIAV0-eb9kreS5nw_RuwzCYXWcp_I0H4szpvVJcu9AuKbFUOEoWgVvr5J0WP74szixDaIgeDkJjp0kykxvOisSrmx0XZumODjG7hdmn_3fK3q4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG9uKzK6Uvd_jT9aNivcH3xH4DXGORv2OyEnAV-Cen-OjZu43gRpn0YBBGuSEEolVQs-FTjvLOM7CEKuIAV0-eb9kreS5nw_RuwzCYXWcp_I0H4szpvVJcu9AuKbFUOEoWgVvr5J0WP74szixDaIgeDkJjp0kykxvOisSrmx0XZumODjG7hdmn_3fK3q4=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>More cute kids!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkYjycmFFkUPun91QTkux-he2rE13GFZVJpRzb3obuHwS7OmLb5l_L3_KtkA416FceDDOHVj9zqHPfBdqXMA2YQowQDpy0DJHatW8BKhP-yX6-czo0T-Qw1IBA4oWakuVgxZ_NcH_XeXoEEGaP2QNdvQIZ8fYI960wtZbSsD6-YdV1PpifCvGxYsueVZw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkYjycmFFkUPun91QTkux-he2rE13GFZVJpRzb3obuHwS7OmLb5l_L3_KtkA416FceDDOHVj9zqHPfBdqXMA2YQowQDpy0DJHatW8BKhP-yX6-czo0T-Qw1IBA4oWakuVgxZ_NcH_XeXoEEGaP2QNdvQIZ8fYI960wtZbSsD6-YdV1PpifCvGxYsueVZw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Are we lucky, or what? Having such experiences is just priceless to the two of us! She even took me to visit the nearby horses.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK6JbeziS3tOkBoSihY--S-95sWeevs2PlH5yuwmCs84ZhVTcVtkSZGAeqrP9V-MIRolSzIvstCXt9hRBMUVhIHBTSixFZYgbr69h6VSYkl0EHDRoyV9-IMuSpOM9AtcId-8pmDkX6tDcoH4ZLn80e1UFUECl-v7N_WlIpCsDKKXQGCcrBnd8IbXxzdHU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK6JbeziS3tOkBoSihY--S-95sWeevs2PlH5yuwmCs84ZhVTcVtkSZGAeqrP9V-MIRolSzIvstCXt9hRBMUVhIHBTSixFZYgbr69h6VSYkl0EHDRoyV9-IMuSpOM9AtcId-8pmDkX6tDcoH4ZLn80e1UFUECl-v7N_WlIpCsDKKXQGCcrBnd8IbXxzdHU=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>If you can imagine, sometimes I am at a loss for words thinking about how great our time here has been. That is, with a little help from our friends and family, specifically Nancy who is now our designated mailwoman. She's gathered a bunch, mostly income tax related and it is on it's way to us as I type. She is also driving the baby car occasionally so my sweet MINI Cooper will be in good shape when next I see it. <p></p><p>We had talked about coming home in order for Bruce to have his annual physical, but instead we found a doctor in Blairsville, GA which is about twenty miles away. We drove there last week to not only find the office for reference, but to go to Meeks Park. Both turned out well. </p><p>It was a cold sunny day, and I wore the coat Fallon gave me for my birthday and a knit cap Matt knitted, maybe six years ago, when he was in his knitting phase. I believe he is in his learning to speak French phase now.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjV4v9FYotJ7Zioi47Oex2dq3QfgCW9xrXRv1wFqx0FgFn8oqYdOr_kh_Mi6fExfG34rNbJpXlwBSm1yMRkmfTfM_InfcwK3vP6CSs6tL2c2766ZxsapWdRrvUSYdqzlFcqzdQq2DT6lMmhTfTFD8HZlLUgeklzZ-SsNLUcv_iuvDWctWeRvEF33IsQJVo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjV4v9FYotJ7Zioi47Oex2dq3QfgCW9xrXRv1wFqx0FgFn8oqYdOr_kh_Mi6fExfG34rNbJpXlwBSm1yMRkmfTfM_InfcwK3vP6CSs6tL2c2766ZxsapWdRrvUSYdqzlFcqzdQq2DT6lMmhTfTFD8HZlLUgeklzZ-SsNLUcv_iuvDWctWeRvEF33IsQJVo=w512-h640" width="512" /></a></div>We loved every aspect of this park, just beautiful, especially under such a brilliant blue sky.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAnvekAnkbzqD49z435Xo6i8H0JhSt8p5rFywPPuyLWHaIp0VpdiJgPLka5n-Blb9HN1AdQZVZ55R0SZ3J4zVmQyWXfC-aEdIrP-K1hlwBTv6Bd0Cj_2_Cdh6I8LlEc0AXNBEsyi_W-WJ-fjg0fLZsnUGdK97MsT_36GMy-M6s-4IJD68g_OFJizx_qh0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAnvekAnkbzqD49z435Xo6i8H0JhSt8p5rFywPPuyLWHaIp0VpdiJgPLka5n-Blb9HN1AdQZVZ55R0SZ3J4zVmQyWXfC-aEdIrP-K1hlwBTv6Bd0Cj_2_Cdh6I8LlEc0AXNBEsyi_W-WJ-fjg0fLZsnUGdK97MsT_36GMy-M6s-4IJD68g_OFJizx_qh0=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I suspect the water is much higher later in the year, but what always interests me is seeing the river bed and thinking of folks boating over top of all those rocks. <p></p><p>There were some cool metal sculptures that moved.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB8Gt7UvcYilBu6d0Yq10CJF-gotkFK-qvviI1Nr9PfJUfEa-rL33myM6T6Mgbx4NkL55ZgzpWIf-2b4UPJCcjs8u9howo5yJMsRxSh1gQBon_LukjtYRmDa3AK7Y0lNSTItTPbhDgn_kRNu8wiJxVPPubTglwUz39AYleT_kjo33HaPoKHc4JrmA9HVE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4319" data-original-width="2780" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB8Gt7UvcYilBu6d0Yq10CJF-gotkFK-qvviI1Nr9PfJUfEa-rL33myM6T6Mgbx4NkL55ZgzpWIf-2b4UPJCcjs8u9howo5yJMsRxSh1gQBon_LukjtYRmDa3AK7Y0lNSTItTPbhDgn_kRNu8wiJxVPPubTglwUz39AYleT_kjo33HaPoKHc4JrmA9HVE" width="309" /></a></div><br />Along with a bridge named Bruce!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnIway4R7oQwKSuLKSdZ2R1mYspiltkPDWfFJRrmJWGCHyLNr2YPBVnqZMDlWSm8v_8HtxNAIEfm438wSpI-3cFC85lNPzdJygEp05Mjng2Kt53Wcphn4d2sdXcsvg_zaefbcoBATsQCp8IdAbN0pEO2DT1sJFQ5r8K0X2SQHsAlJW5KKhWn8fiOtPxQU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnIway4R7oQwKSuLKSdZ2R1mYspiltkPDWfFJRrmJWGCHyLNr2YPBVnqZMDlWSm8v_8HtxNAIEfm438wSpI-3cFC85lNPzdJygEp05Mjng2Kt53Wcphn4d2sdXcsvg_zaefbcoBATsQCp8IdAbN0pEO2DT1sJFQ5r8K0X2SQHsAlJW5KKhWn8fiOtPxQU" width="640" /></a></div>Well look who is standing on Bruce Bridge!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLOTP98jqrce2UKGa-ng1G4RH-Yej6UDX3d0IVo8jFgS3f9a0G3xuKHxfd8-_Aq8ALtuV8ax-3GI87LfRK41R8jne4KEmSg0pudg9C2shldWgnGMn0o-rLLK6fLAdRkDdakNjYs3PVhr_dybhlTCMawykPZHA5bR6_7VxA1GYX9PQEVwlvmUxptH8aZ4E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLOTP98jqrce2UKGa-ng1G4RH-Yej6UDX3d0IVo8jFgS3f9a0G3xuKHxfd8-_Aq8ALtuV8ax-3GI87LfRK41R8jne4KEmSg0pudg9C2shldWgnGMn0o-rLLK6fLAdRkDdakNjYs3PVhr_dybhlTCMawykPZHA5bR6_7VxA1GYX9PQEVwlvmUxptH8aZ4E=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Lots of walking trails that we have yet to try, but we will most definitely be back. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJdf4HdKd47CL0P7bfhHV35-tHxA8awbFAdeCAPpkCSqcL1KkrfxD9c0xGD7L9hr7wgf6PP52LbRBXHN-orHqT93zkOAcLPinNMtXuPGzCvvQ7yJ3Ms2an5gyQVilX_pUxwVvb2HNGk_d6iZGKfRqw1I6btcKeTguiCnGH5v9Ci_0hzjizyekwYaN7Guw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJdf4HdKd47CL0P7bfhHV35-tHxA8awbFAdeCAPpkCSqcL1KkrfxD9c0xGD7L9hr7wgf6PP52LbRBXHN-orHqT93zkOAcLPinNMtXuPGzCvvQ7yJ3Ms2an5gyQVilX_pUxwVvb2HNGk_d6iZGKfRqw1I6btcKeTguiCnGH5v9Ci_0hzjizyekwYaN7Guw" width="360" /></a></div>As we were leaving we came across something curious or weird, I'm not sure which term is appropriate. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfMTAFgUd4HZWdmee78Mzl6DMYv6K1d2Qy1ZWRjnXhtDIeX3HyN8Mcdi5uoScvFGktbOeIUESxMHHMjsysbKYRaf83G0Rm5PaCLsgaPJZhfKKO7oVt5UuyYbHtDJyozWJfcQb0iFk0Vfi2rYi0XdqhVZB13OGn2I2DjIdCA0FuzFMG7W4UzCjaLgLKLX0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfMTAFgUd4HZWdmee78Mzl6DMYv6K1d2Qy1ZWRjnXhtDIeX3HyN8Mcdi5uoScvFGktbOeIUESxMHHMjsysbKYRaf83G0Rm5PaCLsgaPJZhfKKO7oVt5UuyYbHtDJyozWJfcQb0iFk0Vfi2rYi0XdqhVZB13OGn2I2DjIdCA0FuzFMG7W4UzCjaLgLKLX0" width="640" /></a></div>You might note the man sitting at the picnic table, or maybe not, so here's a closer look.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjepiburf6HrhJh3cE6vr19Aw8de3R0HuX1dRWHTlz0HN9XwRR_3QShRkTvgTXmQO53csV9R9FNMX3kKj0PGNC87SXhs741kjx5hSyKZpbCRMAva5Jccon-t7EQvkifHzyf_98HF9JJ9pyXGfovnYvYdGHntnR7Tb7HAge5XXxuNv4SwfTBPdLNolgAnfU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjepiburf6HrhJh3cE6vr19Aw8de3R0HuX1dRWHTlz0HN9XwRR_3QShRkTvgTXmQO53csV9R9FNMX3kKj0PGNC87SXhs741kjx5hSyKZpbCRMAva5Jccon-t7EQvkifHzyf_98HF9JJ9pyXGfovnYvYdGHntnR7Tb7HAge5XXxuNv4SwfTBPdLNolgAnfU" width="640" /></a></div>We had a chat with this man who told us he has been coming every day for, as I recall, 18 years to feed the birds and squirrels. He cracks open the peanuts, putting his hand out, and with the posture of the squirrel below, it sure seems like they know one another.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAcq_o2wzDRZFoT4AQVaMTFkZ7Rt9ROXIm3ybFlX806DSJOeMHJrodYXEESuQ8HJTwWjcRvlGVCXj4psVdpTRwXw4hp0WsR_A0JlOmRjtErOC9JhvoZNv8kiJHg34LnjQwxZlcsoEvKP9fp8VtfWTUzLV12wwT0PTlXsvi-mq_rGqiOIAvkvefPNGsgl0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAcq_o2wzDRZFoT4AQVaMTFkZ7Rt9ROXIm3ybFlX806DSJOeMHJrodYXEESuQ8HJTwWjcRvlGVCXj4psVdpTRwXw4hp0WsR_A0JlOmRjtErOC9JhvoZNv8kiJHg34LnjQwxZlcsoEvKP9fp8VtfWTUzLV12wwT0PTlXsvi-mq_rGqiOIAvkvefPNGsgl0" width="640" /></a></div>Adding to the story was when we passed by his car in the lot, there was only room for him, as the entire rest of the sedan was filled to the brim. Curious indeed!<p></p><p>We made our way into town and on a recommendation from Ruth, we visited Lucky's for lunch.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieiGDfO6Enj0dG6VJi7M2cCTUSDxvqXp-GFy2CcLguLaLsEGqRM8SX16tB09fCPfTDGKDRFL0hNxEtawsdKowUMEFmm9oC1SsPZbcvMalcU47WiYsri8zP0ZOKjh0n9EsmMcaSvCztarj7UzSVU9XpptcmwtuQ3vwLMAbT-UC5U-f66f7hpYvCIqcxndY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieiGDfO6Enj0dG6VJi7M2cCTUSDxvqXp-GFy2CcLguLaLsEGqRM8SX16tB09fCPfTDGKDRFL0hNxEtawsdKowUMEFmm9oC1SsPZbcvMalcU47WiYsri8zP0ZOKjh0n9EsmMcaSvCztarj7UzSVU9XpptcmwtuQ3vwLMAbT-UC5U-f66f7hpYvCIqcxndY=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>I imagine it must have been after two or so, thus the lack of a crowd because it sure is not because the food is not yummy. I ordered this taco because I wanted to try the pickled radish garnish.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPH-ttaYqu9jh2uUgV8QqoYzIMy_-xd0gwlaZjNfssDuDJTWpwegIlyQeNyBb_oHHOoufXA1XMp6fQSZvm5OeTTRLjvMB0l4PcsH5l5qMEtVehmO2whg1EfEh8M5O-UID7kB_kZPUBnFrCNiA01C4dxZ9PE10MOg8iU7R5CYujSbzCjyunogWS2VTTHqA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPH-ttaYqu9jh2uUgV8QqoYzIMy_-xd0gwlaZjNfssDuDJTWpwegIlyQeNyBb_oHHOoufXA1XMp6fQSZvm5OeTTRLjvMB0l4PcsH5l5qMEtVehmO2whg1EfEh8M5O-UID7kB_kZPUBnFrCNiA01C4dxZ9PE10MOg8iU7R5CYujSbzCjyunogWS2VTTHqA" width="640" /></a></div>I must admit with the other explosion of flavors I can't really give you an opinion on those radishes, but they were quite pretty. <p></p><p>Our last stop was a little ice cream/candy shop where I found butter mints. Talk about bringing back memories of childhood. Always on Thanksgiving there would be butter mints. Plus, there were these cute finger puppets that I cannot believe are only $2!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh67G0IXSVi6G7iviQ5VIwyN3hIjbiD0kAIwLBbPqbL3mo33o8Eui4QzPYTbU0y4qsIEQp-w5bVIoSDZAH5emey0HdGMngjEyBtqNdkjZuT95IroPUGsIjPa1km42h2b_1H_yqag7C7uSfcsqYr5Cvj_z2_Q_9qLRWbjYIKh0a0xgnT_LoSOqTVxy-86F8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh67G0IXSVi6G7iviQ5VIwyN3hIjbiD0kAIwLBbPqbL3mo33o8Eui4QzPYTbU0y4qsIEQp-w5bVIoSDZAH5emey0HdGMngjEyBtqNdkjZuT95IroPUGsIjPa1km42h2b_1H_yqag7C7uSfcsqYr5Cvj_z2_Q_9qLRWbjYIKh0a0xgnT_LoSOqTVxy-86F8=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>Then again, there are dollar stores galore, so what do I know?<p></p><p>Lastly, I found a helpful gadget in the cabinet that houses all of the pans. A mini chopper that worked like magic.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBNk2gcWLsxbyhGvpbycX2lKe6XFSVN3_B7GMdoOzt2xI9rjFhYB5I5DJab680EDT8JktzJ5weIm0zwOX-b4Id82rNHhTalma-YNSulpm7vIjzXlT7vzqzbansaop2ySm-n-WX2Rwk4VYvPCiiRL5sUfURSQ-4XW_lcYmQUGQjibTkv0PEb0_zM3CQA_0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBNk2gcWLsxbyhGvpbycX2lKe6XFSVN3_B7GMdoOzt2xI9rjFhYB5I5DJab680EDT8JktzJ5weIm0zwOX-b4Id82rNHhTalma-YNSulpm7vIjzXlT7vzqzbansaop2ySm-n-WX2Rwk4VYvPCiiRL5sUfURSQ-4XW_lcYmQUGQjibTkv0PEb0_zM3CQA_0" width="640" /></a></div>We ere having barbecue and who eats that without cole slaw? And just why am I including something so mundane when I've got such beautiful subject matter to blog about? <p></p><p><u>I want to remember that's why</u>. I also used it to make homemade salsa so it has already won a place in my culinary heart. Duke's mayonnaise. Maureen would probably be aghast that I am not using Hellmans, but I'm a new convert. That's what living in the mountains will do for a gal.π</p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail</p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-64632109412254490872024-02-17T18:44:00.016-05:002024-02-17T20:21:02.671-05:00Bruce Continues His Winning Ways<p> Greetings! It is Saturday afternoon and while Mr. Peck has gone to the gym, this elderly blogger is staying cozy indoors. Friends, it is <u>cold outside to the tune of about 37</u> at four in the afternoon. While I could easily go in and out of places in this temperature, walking for an hour just was not appealing in the slightest. It is not so much the temperature but the 11mph winds that would have been so uncomfortable. And really, I am once again behind in my posts, so my time is best used right now behind my computer screen. </p><p>Let's get started shall we?</p><p>Today is the Great Backyard Bird Count, a global event, that you can l<a href="https://www.birdcount.org/">earn more about here</a>. Participate!! It is easy and you can then call yourself a "citizen scientist"! Last Sunday we had a new visitor and how pretty is this one?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNu8UKa-bEVISYvSxlDgpzM-YEAm4aEiYhUciJMXWhuN3n3JBEDDPPFl9R9QdUkKxq29jXuqyCcGNkqpNSeTJWbTjYi2FsVI-2igpPEo8uCB1MynOItjyc6KsObmWonFSr_KPOG5Ckki60BEGyJuCT_tKmrxdthZXvysbTE58UdsCqHUM7WK8wIY7jilU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNu8UKa-bEVISYvSxlDgpzM-YEAm4aEiYhUciJMXWhuN3n3JBEDDPPFl9R9QdUkKxq29jXuqyCcGNkqpNSeTJWbTjYi2FsVI-2igpPEo8uCB1MynOItjyc6KsObmWonFSr_KPOG5Ckki60BEGyJuCT_tKmrxdthZXvysbTE58UdsCqHUM7WK8wIY7jilU" width="639" /></a></div>I have to admit that we had company when it was here, so I will blame it on that, because I originally thought that it was a Goldfinch, well, turning gold. Not yet, even though I keep expecting the scores of Goldfinch to begin their color change. Watching intently at my perch,<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA7zaPNm20jx-CFQW7bvHtG3mP8CxAxhWtbo4umW1Z27aX94OaOOPaId-NcCxtFpk0kx6BU0ItlYj59UnPG3GkgX_x-WuincTqhnDjuKdLjvATwBSz_rE1IIUYsYESExL9SqJCOSnY45TFMmDtaNKMUev5b-EHQSsToSso_8-0yacRfED-W1JLMuS4oUY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3332" data-original-width="4443" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA7zaPNm20jx-CFQW7bvHtG3mP8CxAxhWtbo4umW1Z27aX94OaOOPaId-NcCxtFpk0kx6BU0ItlYj59UnPG3GkgX_x-WuincTqhnDjuKdLjvATwBSz_rE1IIUYsYESExL9SqJCOSnY45TFMmDtaNKMUev5b-EHQSsToSso_8-0yacRfED-W1JLMuS4oUY=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I am watching for changes, as well as for those darn bluebirds who have refused to show their faces again! Here is a look at the remaining black sunflower seeds that we purchased in a 50 pound bag.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsvILc-bOVjEGQMIqdO7CkbXCrBeaE6yWlsBzJ-LsFroykImBG5uIiAzj8IOWZjeXWeLeV3S8gq_r-MUMNLEi--PW50lCES_Uo4dyjyg8jxq2umA9F571tChea4j3xD1RlnpL5ByoBffMf2YXVhxca44DbkuYbQ_cl53yoYbeyfujuIv1jqnR_zApntNI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsvILc-bOVjEGQMIqdO7CkbXCrBeaE6yWlsBzJ-LsFroykImBG5uIiAzj8IOWZjeXWeLeV3S8gq_r-MUMNLEi--PW50lCES_Uo4dyjyg8jxq2umA9F571tChea4j3xD1RlnpL5ByoBffMf2YXVhxca44DbkuYbQ_cl53yoYbeyfujuIv1jqnR_zApntNI=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>Let me tell you those birds are going through it like mad. Soon there will be a sunflower forest below the windows I fear! Scroll back up and look at the two main feeders and realize that they were full maybe three hours prior. It is seriously unreal having so many birds. It is also a dream come true for me, so no complaints here. Some people scroll on their phones; I watch the live action just on the other side of the window.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiP68fr8rQ9ICSm97Qwh_dFfDGcFDCa0mjq_rhYDG3UgctNdHmH3hQoexOmvLm-FVh7IqBszYEH9En4hmXtLtNkU7yDjimI6CrAZXOHD_jUzm3QnRiyXMgkJyW4VKZCHDiokJqzWkvV1Q8fbjPniCt7KsmFYGP-Rt0ofnbacoG0AGGwPRXY0ddcro_mir8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3003" data-original-width="3969" height="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiP68fr8rQ9ICSm97Qwh_dFfDGcFDCa0mjq_rhYDG3UgctNdHmH3hQoexOmvLm-FVh7IqBszYEH9En4hmXtLtNkU7yDjimI6CrAZXOHD_jUzm3QnRiyXMgkJyW4VKZCHDiokJqzWkvV1Q8fbjPniCt7KsmFYGP-Rt0ofnbacoG0AGGwPRXY0ddcro_mir8=w640-h485" width="640" /></a></div>Should you be wondering, those are the Pine Siskins showing off their normally hidden yellow. <p></p><p>Before we move on from birding news, one early morning, about a week ago, I peered out the window while it was still dark outside and saw something highly unusual. Now before I get into the story, this happened the following day while on our Facetime during which we had taken a pretty good ribbing from Matt and Tom who could not believe that we had purchased a hot tub for our birds, so there's that. Did they jinx us from afar? One of life's mysteries. Anyway, no one can really figure out how this happened.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEim-TyMuYHZtJWy5GECo_dnVvFhuRCBHwV_0WWJwVnbud2KUH4JmOS8z_8kTIsgBxJUKsDXd2iRd1dMDjUMCGKqc7notLtXzK9RW_P930M0Hr4guEyuEWzBdLch8kdL1i4I5sMTPvv6vaR_c4aeSjE7WvvkgnwYrFaHzOzfBpq4Rr9yb1jaUkHhJcijTYU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEim-TyMuYHZtJWy5GECo_dnVvFhuRCBHwV_0WWJwVnbud2KUH4JmOS8z_8kTIsgBxJUKsDXd2iRd1dMDjUMCGKqc7notLtXzK9RW_P930M0Hr4guEyuEWzBdLch8kdL1i4I5sMTPvv6vaR_c4aeSjE7WvvkgnwYrFaHzOzfBpq4Rr9yb1jaUkHhJcijTYU=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Yup, that really is the hot tub at a 90 degree angle from how it was installed! Not only was it turned on it's side, several of the screws were broken as well. In the 11 years John and Laura have lived on the property, there has never been a bear sighting, so that while that seems the most likely in one sense, history proves otherwise. Whatever happened, it is unlikely to happen again as Mr. Peck repaired it with heavy duty fasteners.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiVV-AxxRyoanHm7ZwNV-DvwjUs16uHZnPjkIWHLZYpgaY4XJDkY9FV766QBWRqKGcIhP2YFVoxIzPHHcZVn0TcPiGtDJQ0kbDp5JEuRFFuu1tKdO9j-scepJvqz2dRQjsBBGDqtcLcFgtM5pCXUSy_IVzgfoWUa0bHnz_sOnBGr48b4XKPW6c00hQ9BY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiVV-AxxRyoanHm7ZwNV-DvwjUs16uHZnPjkIWHLZYpgaY4XJDkY9FV766QBWRqKGcIhP2YFVoxIzPHHcZVn0TcPiGtDJQ0kbDp5JEuRFFuu1tKdO9j-scepJvqz2dRQjsBBGDqtcLcFgtM5pCXUSy_IVzgfoWUa0bHnz_sOnBGr48b4XKPW6c00hQ9BY=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>What a great segue to the incredible winning ways my husband has been having. Perhaps you recall that he won a beautiful vase, actually made by <a href="https://www.cityartgreenville.com/harry-hearne">Harry Hearne</a>, a renowned potter around these parts, as well as further afield. I think that was in early October. Well, a week ago Tuesday, we encountered a young lady selling raffle tickets for her elementary school. Set up, along with her Mother, in front of our favorite wine shop. He bought three, not really paying any attention to what the prize would be. Thursday evening the phone rings with the shocking news that he had won a 55" television and we could pick it up the next morning at Peachtree Elementary. Holy cow! On a side note, the young lady who sold Bruce the ticket was featured in the Scout this week, not for selling the winning raffle ticket but for being an outstanding student. Small town life in a nutshell.<p></p><p>It was such a sweet experience because everyone at the school was so excited for him. Arriving at 7:20 in the morning because they were closing at noon that day and we were going to pickleball, they greeted us on our arrival. Everything was all so casual and unlike anything we would encounter in Orlando that's for sure! They did not even ask for identification.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVCk9HmfYhILvujB-ZVVgD4LauzmNIdcl-rKL4fyPC12zLomE1WKDeXqev1CX0apYpcE2mF-qH2b0h-YLaQI3MUo0ZEFVA-sa-vFRro-YimCqmSz3e2_knhn1IkPiGvhXl211t8_0bPiV3fyeJDNw6KKjsvOuqQc1FDRyq30BVL_XiRDwUBHkHC2yZYnw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVCk9HmfYhILvujB-ZVVgD4LauzmNIdcl-rKL4fyPC12zLomE1WKDeXqev1CX0apYpcE2mF-qH2b0h-YLaQI3MUo0ZEFVA-sa-vFRro-YimCqmSz3e2_knhn1IkPiGvhXl211t8_0bPiV3fyeJDNw6KKjsvOuqQc1FDRyq30BVL_XiRDwUBHkHC2yZYnw" width="360" /></a></div>Oh you are Mr. Peck? We are so happy for you! Had the church not been able to benefit from his donation, the school would have as he planned to donate it back. As it was, the church was thrilled. <p></p><p>So now we are talking a beautiful piece of pottery, a 55" television, and to complete the trifecta, he won the pool at the Super Bowl party at John and Laura's, coming away with $90! And to think that he's almost never won anything in his whole life. Is it a sign we are meant to be here? Haha!</p><p>People are starting to join me at the park on my afternoon walks.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXCJBUxBfqubsy77qA0ERsgyKA2eYJrgHZfW6dRu6ey7T8RLUhU4UWBmh1swALZYjT1MrcSmwFbUYa2RL7o7JT05DMZHsAd2TH1hUkkLHJvmrkVpo7OUR6diVhs4I6DrqXm42wGOsX_7Kt4aGG_6giCfjBHoKpPC67BNPO8NCNyD_z-L375XCHXTaDVmc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3308" data-original-width="4406" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXCJBUxBfqubsy77qA0ERsgyKA2eYJrgHZfW6dRu6ey7T8RLUhU4UWBmh1swALZYjT1MrcSmwFbUYa2RL7o7JT05DMZHsAd2TH1hUkkLHJvmrkVpo7OUR6diVhs4I6DrqXm42wGOsX_7Kt4aGG_6giCfjBHoKpPC67BNPO8NCNyD_z-L375XCHXTaDVmc" width="639" /></a></div>Well maybe not join me, but finally there are people aside from me. The ballfields are filling with kids, the pathways with dogs and their owners, and the fields with Robins! Here's one having a little bath in the river before heading to the field.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJszh2hcLJcfwKlST21-UGYK7mz-eh_8ejLpHXEL3S7K2Zv0ISNp2xBAXDCGjeEJJr0xvUckGaP3Q2YGShsojjNnIvag9WoLBra2CRgcByQj8OPE4hOe6ZDC0qiP2Y-Pc6CL0VlyrULmKBOlZw5_90MDnEYAv61pIerDEXdPQpxfE_ms835Xuy8zVptAg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJszh2hcLJcfwKlST21-UGYK7mz-eh_8ejLpHXEL3S7K2Zv0ISNp2xBAXDCGjeEJJr0xvUckGaP3Q2YGShsojjNnIvag9WoLBra2CRgcByQj8OPE4hOe6ZDC0qiP2Y-Pc6CL0VlyrULmKBOlZw5_90MDnEYAv61pIerDEXdPQpxfE_ms835Xuy8zVptAg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I ran into a little girl walking the dog below and it was far too cute to not document.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjukUZo-omiHqnFyvbvTjBkEnhLI9Cf4eO7_ow7AW8OhmoA8Vw7r_tMoIatyB31Rb5F6RIxuhcr0Q6CVI2wn92QedTmKb48IqSKXmmh5OA7WOBU4JPqbyPkN-_r0b0aRodG_4O1g3oEZ7sTRriH3eXMdnB4omQSRBsk7xPLt8uMRhKIYcs80u4_beGeoJY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjukUZo-omiHqnFyvbvTjBkEnhLI9Cf4eO7_ow7AW8OhmoA8Vw7r_tMoIatyB31Rb5F6RIxuhcr0Q6CVI2wn92QedTmKb48IqSKXmmh5OA7WOBU4JPqbyPkN-_r0b0aRodG_4O1g3oEZ7sTRriH3eXMdnB4omQSRBsk7xPLt8uMRhKIYcs80u4_beGeoJY=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>It is one thing to appreciate the shocking red of a Northern Cardinal on your feeder, but quite another out in the wild.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjG8ZHgHyQoh2XjKZBa6TXvJJ03_0vpMrZe_nP8PCng2-UP7pJZJc0ACArviCBRSSQx0vWLsXB_d3kS_T3WhO6CW--fC35WPL2vegUyRfD66yhtbaQF9JtvSEQqh1VBAOe5n4dVsOe6LxVX7BgalrAObgWeY6Kvvgk9YUUp8_Kf2oPWscrGUVq3cbgSixM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2612" data-original-width="3380" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjG8ZHgHyQoh2XjKZBa6TXvJJ03_0vpMrZe_nP8PCng2-UP7pJZJc0ACArviCBRSSQx0vWLsXB_d3kS_T3WhO6CW--fC35WPL2vegUyRfD66yhtbaQF9JtvSEQqh1VBAOe5n4dVsOe6LxVX7BgalrAObgWeY6Kvvgk9YUUp8_Kf2oPWscrGUVq3cbgSixM=w640-h494" width="640" /></a></div>So that is a portion of what is happening around here right now. so let's next go back in time.<p></p><p>Let's go on a field trip to Fontana Dam together, shall we?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiRd1_5SKvW4a-pMKyx5HjNo5IrBjmwJsoLt5jutzePq8SCfq1ONGZMOasfG4P9fjENz4LpQGwZu-3L4JhKIIxVa19lm2xNyC0IV3gi3aUIB75O-muvTs0iTg4ifdLcG1ZneIqWGKa2q8RLEcsTLV05SAPaf_8JeyF7edWYju1rMAEYM7u0pbJHGi3TEA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiRd1_5SKvW4a-pMKyx5HjNo5IrBjmwJsoLt5jutzePq8SCfq1ONGZMOasfG4P9fjENz4LpQGwZu-3L4JhKIIxVa19lm2xNyC0IV3gi3aUIB75O-muvTs0iTg4ifdLcG1ZneIqWGKa2q8RLEcsTLV05SAPaf_8JeyF7edWYju1rMAEYM7u0pbJHGi3TEA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>We have done all of the dams closest to us, so it was time to go further afield and explore the Fontana Dam, the highest dam East of the Rockies. It says so below! No wait, it doesn't. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fontana_Dam">I did not make that up. </a><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4t_pc-kXpbbmgFstkijkomOcmpvMCHhL5j0AKHXTJKtLdQejazoiVGslcbU_Q1sbdlDkH2KHJpa4q6MxpiEhZAioqrmd70awA0OeSCtp7RCCOfaM4HKlDPxNoNrRYXedNNpmynbE750Me3x6JVjnp4-bf2_S9egEGGC_qck8E815bg7u8H2cC7XYkjSY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4t_pc-kXpbbmgFstkijkomOcmpvMCHhL5j0AKHXTJKtLdQejazoiVGslcbU_Q1sbdlDkH2KHJpa4q6MxpiEhZAioqrmd70awA0OeSCtp7RCCOfaM4HKlDPxNoNrRYXedNNpmynbE750Me3x6JVjnp4-bf2_S9egEGGC_qck8E815bg7u8H2cC7XYkjSY=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>But first we had to get there and although the roads were winding, it was a gorgeous day for a drive. You head towards Topton and next to Robbinsville where one direction leads to the dam and the other leads to, another dam! They are everywhere folks! Looking at the drive on our trusty iPad, which seriously is so old it is a wonder it still works as well as it does, but anyway, there was evidence of a traffic stall, practically unheard of in these parts. Turns out there was road construction, widening the road, and it looks a little different here than it does back home.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCLxuo9DVCeWlbQsfBICZBJh7kXF2iiA7hXoopUAnIRa3oJeNQ4s2Ez-PWFLAg98k0gg134Kw8zPdeOW-WkyyeKSDmlxOtkiu89BIjMHcrR65j_VMhodwNNY71WYqVPuzXbYlNbw2I2fs5yyZHmV3XUrSjCvUQaIK_dn6fSiU6tzgnbTAEoWG6ldteo-I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCLxuo9DVCeWlbQsfBICZBJh7kXF2iiA7hXoopUAnIRa3oJeNQ4s2Ez-PWFLAg98k0gg134Kw8zPdeOW-WkyyeKSDmlxOtkiu89BIjMHcrR65j_VMhodwNNY71WYqVPuzXbYlNbw2I2fs5yyZHmV3XUrSjCvUQaIK_dn6fSiU6tzgnbTAEoWG6ldteo-I" width="640" /></a></div>That's the mountain they are cutting away in the photo above. Below, new grass will grow from that beigy thing.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_rbsUQ5FsoM_TwkZrgAOiTc0SU-1ZYhzNaa_mFIFN6InPHHbJ_P8-OLmPyaq3H27gdrG9iM6Xy32RuXidakk8kY5twcxQwFOopWO4oE4nrqQ-8xACaYYeXpbvaJwK3AWFRM8sWihyIcBTRpDEN7LBAia3QhagMrvvHAqlKYhvwLoO-dH7WElHNuQYEUU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_rbsUQ5FsoM_TwkZrgAOiTc0SU-1ZYhzNaa_mFIFN6InPHHbJ_P8-OLmPyaq3H27gdrG9iM6Xy32RuXidakk8kY5twcxQwFOopWO4oE4nrqQ-8xACaYYeXpbvaJwK3AWFRM8sWihyIcBTRpDEN7LBAia3QhagMrvvHAqlKYhvwLoO-dH7WElHNuQYEUU=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>That sky, right? In some places they put up a wall with a stone-like look that has yet to be installed on the wall below.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOX3a0yBjq22vnOm8WDUiO9VgLt9xo_uvfKsWAOgxD7qDcoMUhHOPRR16tDSDmM7HClhmw_h2mT3iDJBEdTrTrf8ywn8CI-940fRR603v1esjJ5JiQh2Y_luZpiTmNnz112XMMBLDMS56wUrGw5Rzt94XnEmQ7zwF8dc1s4-FtCLkmDtCuVmPLr0LuTbk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOX3a0yBjq22vnOm8WDUiO9VgLt9xo_uvfKsWAOgxD7qDcoMUhHOPRR16tDSDmM7HClhmw_h2mT3iDJBEdTrTrf8ywn8CI-940fRR603v1esjJ5JiQh2Y_luZpiTmNnz112XMMBLDMS56wUrGw5Rzt94XnEmQ7zwF8dc1s4-FtCLkmDtCuVmPLr0LuTbk=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Okay, what next you ask? A gorgeous view is what is next!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhtw3T869w0TnEMcoqtAHZtRUXx-YRoUXe0HCdF6OV0O1HzOiPLOCMmKPwx8zbU4k25o7vFrvrz32qBzngqIgLiPFY1YEBv0KPDoThyHr5bfS_3xppTOQ2HOuyd5Pox9ryru49SHZ2WQOQCmtZAgJrZzPbWccdf2eK6KUTaxE50tCXTa0E3i9vL4RWKpQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhtw3T869w0TnEMcoqtAHZtRUXx-YRoUXe0HCdF6OV0O1HzOiPLOCMmKPwx8zbU4k25o7vFrvrz32qBzngqIgLiPFY1YEBv0KPDoThyHr5bfS_3xppTOQ2HOuyd5Pox9ryru49SHZ2WQOQCmtZAgJrZzPbWccdf2eK6KUTaxE50tCXTa0E3i9vL4RWKpQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The trees may not have their leaves, but that sky reflecting in the water makes up for the lack of green! Then again, imagine it with the green....oh my! A little further along that same road, and another beautiful vista, this one including the spot where the Appalachian Trail crosses the dam. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2NRX_dyutaLgXmlILzrqd4OAIFOsHBkhIlsLwiLyUiCqViKYeJVWPZS3dKnagHrkST6hc6xTL-ClkFCgTQIkvxsxMfd3bj-Pi2tqW_DSGnnN1oqORvQQSzvtGjyVYBwC-7_QSyQUpZkG0GBOlc5uKQ2Ght0pmd4e06upXfa27Z3nzJt5hSHIsOgyppcM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3170" data-original-width="4227" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2NRX_dyutaLgXmlILzrqd4OAIFOsHBkhIlsLwiLyUiCqViKYeJVWPZS3dKnagHrkST6hc6xTL-ClkFCgTQIkvxsxMfd3bj-Pi2tqW_DSGnnN1oqORvQQSzvtGjyVYBwC-7_QSyQUpZkG0GBOlc5uKQ2Ght0pmd4e06upXfa27Z3nzJt5hSHIsOgyppcM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Do you recall how I have written about "winter hours"? Turns out that holds true for dam visitor centers as well as restaurants, museums, what have you.There were some informational placards outside, but more importantly, there was an open bathroom that services the AT through hikers! Whew!<p></p><p>Another amazing view!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNynPHh8HzVhEA55pS814r_13Bg1IwGdcbAadxpTgwVlqpngkr6yEr8odJlVBVxIi-PoZV4UZKB8lHcISPPk2J-6tk9DlyA1_4p7g6x-aWQ-chD33u7_gghPr5BnyyMJAcU-prQgqzu1lp31E1pNiBVPBs8xc3XncPNL2y7Htb2SlZlNbZUjawRitzLro" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNynPHh8HzVhEA55pS814r_13Bg1IwGdcbAadxpTgwVlqpngkr6yEr8odJlVBVxIi-PoZV4UZKB8lHcISPPk2J-6tk9DlyA1_4p7g6x-aWQ-chD33u7_gghPr5BnyyMJAcU-prQgqzu1lp31E1pNiBVPBs8xc3XncPNL2y7Htb2SlZlNbZUjawRitzLro" width="640" /></a></div>Low water, equals a very interesting shot. Or at least it was to us!<p></p><p>We drove back home using the other route I mentioned earlier and I was so excited to come across a lovely waterfall at an entrance to the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, an area called Twentymile Creek, They call it a <a href="https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/waterfalls.htm">cascade here</a>, but it's a waterfall to me!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhwTLxKHSM_ENNobflaPlAa2P9g5AVjyOztP_IYhJu3GR3kv6g5O-xKN_G903ay--BEdZdJ_bg2VMTCBpkPfyZyf6LBxv4P7V3xgFftT6Fd-vj5hdXAeHB17LNHf6hW3REXcYfskg6fDRsF2CbGJlHRQGZL3DbPZMCjfYsZYiy9fOtJWtmcen9GLGQhLY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhwTLxKHSM_ENNobflaPlAa2P9g5AVjyOztP_IYhJu3GR3kv6g5O-xKN_G903ay--BEdZdJ_bg2VMTCBpkPfyZyf6LBxv4P7V3xgFftT6Fd-vj5hdXAeHB17LNHf6hW3REXcYfskg6fDRsF2CbGJlHRQGZL3DbPZMCjfYsZYiy9fOtJWtmcen9GLGQhLY" width="360" /></a></div>We met some new folks at pickleball, Mark and Mary Beth, that we have spent some time with. Of course they moved here from Florida.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJDcJWBz6tiDr3TV8-JERaLvS5xrOX723_0LkHMuM7x3YDcxY9WGTrphqLmvrFR8FUdR4aQikegP74bzmPvqIwZHNZKvIvspWOAJLgz7lNWA5fOfemw9H18_gauO-SfMS4FSXkx0txw2NS26AyLnrtfSKONXd2t6blpjjQdox6fTtWE_bUTEYzzzwP2hw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJDcJWBz6tiDr3TV8-JERaLvS5xrOX723_0LkHMuM7x3YDcxY9WGTrphqLmvrFR8FUdR4aQikegP74bzmPvqIwZHNZKvIvspWOAJLgz7lNWA5fOfemw9H18_gauO-SfMS4FSXkx0txw2NS26AyLnrtfSKONXd2t6blpjjQdox6fTtWE_bUTEYzzzwP2hw" width="640" /></a></div>After church we went to lunch and then they came back here for a visit. Naturally birds came up because, how could they not? They are just outside the window so they are hard to ignore, including the above Pine Warbler. Although their range includes Florida, I sure don't remember seeing one before. But hey, we all know how terrible my memory is so perhaps it is included in my 135 species list of birds that I have photographed? Anyway a few days later, Mark was buying the same 50 pounds of sunflower seeds! I may not be a winner of prizes, but I do know how to get folks excited about something I am excited about!<p></p><p>Our monthly pickleball ladies activity was being taught by Diane about essential oils and how useful they can be. We all went home with a little vial or inhaler after enjoying quiche made from their own eggs! I will show you all that in another post, but here's a little group photo missing some ladies for one reason or other.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_QNudKCVjuNUS7_Cb1XlVka5KuGc1wjAb_faUwcvX_uDHgi8GGoSzzkhbo7pFuOOYQi1C39DJXd0muaq0aSU0sra_JBB5IPGYXDU63KMj5LNB72XY84JPulg0w8H4zYpiIBUj9aRvZcX-qlScOT7GQB7kelZAHrefvNKBzEezd4W6jwu6b7aJv1v7Vvc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_QNudKCVjuNUS7_Cb1XlVka5KuGc1wjAb_faUwcvX_uDHgi8GGoSzzkhbo7pFuOOYQi1C39DJXd0muaq0aSU0sra_JBB5IPGYXDU63KMj5LNB72XY84JPulg0w8H4zYpiIBUj9aRvZcX-qlScOT7GQB7kelZAHrefvNKBzEezd4W6jwu6b7aJv1v7Vvc" width="640" /></a></div>One of the ladies pictured above lives down the street from the Barfields and she took me to her home for a tour. Lots of things to discuss about that, but for now, as I need to cook dinner, I will leave you with a Hellebore that she says blooms like crazy. Isn't it beautiful. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ2hpgV5OHa-rJoelyTNlWXxNc0QzT2cVBAUgi0935nAmuxaUL5Of_ENg_OZxpfKIcyuE5HcxvwHPu1aUqMt1MGGzvASA8OFykdTQheQfbdYqLpfMooi_YlCOo4bdcBnffGh8ClD9aEMQ8T4By9YUP2QxRHtovyo8vGSP9wBl04TNpNxxYMCG_46XXqjM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ2hpgV5OHa-rJoelyTNlWXxNc0QzT2cVBAUgi0935nAmuxaUL5Of_ENg_OZxpfKIcyuE5HcxvwHPu1aUqMt1MGGzvASA8OFykdTQheQfbdYqLpfMooi_YlCOo4bdcBnffGh8ClD9aEMQ8T4By9YUP2QxRHtovyo8vGSP9wBl04TNpNxxYMCG_46XXqjM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I must admit seeing a flower mid February was a treat.<p></p><p>Hasn't all of this been so fun? I think so.</p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail</p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-77093084617163931672024-02-11T09:39:00.009-05:002024-02-11T09:42:09.392-05:00Life-Changing! <p> How in the world I neglected to mention some life-changing news in <a href="https://gpeck.blogspot.com/2024/02/elk-cookies-birds-and-more.html">my last post</a> is beyond me. What was I thinking? It is high time to rectify that shortcoming.</p><p>Ever since Bruce bought me my first Panasonic digital camera some 17 years ago, I have been a big fan of that brand of camera. I used them almost exclusively for years but for some reason that I don't recall, I bought an Olympus and that had been my camera of choice for the last say, nine years or so. The two brands are quite similar and even have lenses that fit both brands, so there was that. Perhaps you recall that I bought a new longer lens for my birdies and a new camera body to support said lens. It was a used Panasonic from Colonial Photo and Hobby, say a year or so ago? Except all of this time <u>I have hated it</u> because of a feature that I have become accustomed to using was not working as I wanted. Well, I won't bore you with the whole story, but suffice it to say, while searching YouTube for an answer, one poster mentioned resetting the camera. Well duh? Why didn't I think of that? </p><p>That solved my problem instantly and now I am in fine shape, well, make that <u>fantastic shape</u>. The camera is living up, and even exceeding, my expectations now. The photos are gorgeous! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilREa1gsr2myT1htgwe9gVtxNUB0i0VBL2e38CJ34jOpwqfDD-BINlKh43lG60q22aHyXGGB6NhwZSUD88nctsc0JFlKx1K8k4b3ieOnRSKa6PS0sgPqpR4nRQPttFhL2axQtXk6EGStTAUEtlachExabd5G-XRdLQterTzTbEPK1bXQe-H0S52UoLiMA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilREa1gsr2myT1htgwe9gVtxNUB0i0VBL2e38CJ34jOpwqfDD-BINlKh43lG60q22aHyXGGB6NhwZSUD88nctsc0JFlKx1K8k4b3ieOnRSKa6PS0sgPqpR4nRQPttFhL2axQtXk6EGStTAUEtlachExabd5G-XRdLQterTzTbEPK1bXQe-H0S52UoLiMA" width="640" /></a></div>Or at least I think so! Notice anything in this shot aside from our resident Northern Cardinal? That was obviously a super sunny day. This one was not so much. Also another tree as there are plenty to choose from here.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0j0iHopxgMXmI2SLebV1MIzvmGmHdniCUgvj1pUm5Xl0xAoB3F7hLGuWLatE-gTfLJHNqE4JlBaczvOgCOrzNvoMIoIMQnRyxlWaq0zlsfiyei9lUq_gvwMcmwo0fVgeJbZf5fiGNCtfbp6dSGihQHAcCx31ytZUSEfjdQJRFiVFp0WtZKseC4PVaZSE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0j0iHopxgMXmI2SLebV1MIzvmGmHdniCUgvj1pUm5Xl0xAoB3F7hLGuWLatE-gTfLJHNqE4JlBaczvOgCOrzNvoMIoIMQnRyxlWaq0zlsfiyei9lUq_gvwMcmwo0fVgeJbZf5fiGNCtfbp6dSGihQHAcCx31ytZUSEfjdQJRFiVFp0WtZKseC4PVaZSE=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div>Buds my friends. Buds.<p></p><p>While having grown accustomed to my close up photos of the goldfinch on the feeders, every now and again I can get them in the trees.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBiIfQDHsBwBcOf6drGGkEVcfzrKLHRlu1t9EXh5Q0dRH6Yqa2G1Hxm_EUO6oOgPxoZd-co3OmhXyZfUhlKcQNxvD9WSO-lYX0-vcnc6fHEG3Oj6A29zyjQiJ1UPVly3Q37MjjtIBHwdAIic6WEBLaGlOMrE8cJLbxU-Eka2pvWiWJUxClX-7wEFWNjec" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2291" data-original-width="3259" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBiIfQDHsBwBcOf6drGGkEVcfzrKLHRlu1t9EXh5Q0dRH6Yqa2G1Hxm_EUO6oOgPxoZd-co3OmhXyZfUhlKcQNxvD9WSO-lYX0-vcnc6fHEG3Oj6A29zyjQiJ1UPVly3Q37MjjtIBHwdAIic6WEBLaGlOMrE8cJLbxU-Eka2pvWiWJUxClX-7wEFWNjec=w640-h450" width="640" /></a></div>Although we just took a fantastic field trip that I look forward to telling you about, I had been going through some months of photos in order to make an album to send to my publisher. Not that they are selling much these days, but it never hurts to send in new images. We will probably never have the good fortune that we once had when Hobby Lobby bought $100K worth of images and then continued reordering them, but mailbox money still trickles in, albeit at a much, much slower rate. I wrote about that wonderful day in this <a href="https://gpeck.blogspot.com/2014/09/pennies-from-heaven.html">post from 2014</a> which if you have the time you might enjoy the story. I know it brought me to tears again!<p></p><p>My point was that I came across lots of things I had yet to post, so here goes some photos from places we've been and things I have seen that have brought me joy. Some days on my walk through the park I see almost nothing, and then there are days all sorts of things are captured with my cameras.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj33VYXqd7bYUlTzyg2RVYI2IMfTYhSYr034qSu1d6ybnGXaBtIh7cpfTUy6i8oVr39PKymcPAHDKqqwfXt67z2CFFo8RVP_w1-rjkWJmCTWQy2KijpWPUR83cCEuLyQI10q8BuDFwqwA6vBOBUq3-Ew17KrM_IMu_zsVoiJsSPmaDoi-YEuaXyj4hI4dE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj33VYXqd7bYUlTzyg2RVYI2IMfTYhSYr034qSu1d6ybnGXaBtIh7cpfTUy6i8oVr39PKymcPAHDKqqwfXt67z2CFFo8RVP_w1-rjkWJmCTWQy2KijpWPUR83cCEuLyQI10q8BuDFwqwA6vBOBUq3-Ew17KrM_IMu_zsVoiJsSPmaDoi-YEuaXyj4hI4dE" width="360" /></a></div>A close up of the old railroad bridge, the closure of which changed Murphy a lot. <p></p><p>Because up to this point I have had very little exposure to forest mushrooms, it seems to me, from my limited exposure, that finding this big bunch in the winter is pretty unusual. Then again, it might not be unusual at all!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIR7qhRl0BbDtaeZA7_C1YrIqQgatwG5xeUFvwnaWe4h1ZPS1sFVhMbnJX7WzphR6dD3wlAMC8MSVgE2ylue0eB1-90ysbszmoZOckQ0gOSDrS3XbXDRXwMRpsRCKkOd2d0PvV-pHYKHlkEokdk-wMKVOGBEQABnOJJ5KHWq4a72DuNbsDHfAA-TlfHYo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIR7qhRl0BbDtaeZA7_C1YrIqQgatwG5xeUFvwnaWe4h1ZPS1sFVhMbnJX7WzphR6dD3wlAMC8MSVgE2ylue0eB1-90ysbszmoZOckQ0gOSDrS3XbXDRXwMRpsRCKkOd2d0PvV-pHYKHlkEokdk-wMKVOGBEQABnOJJ5KHWq4a72DuNbsDHfAA-TlfHYo=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Something that really stood out to me while looking through photographs from December and January, is how much fog, from either the river, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL9r1MHbjMyjKqPl84DYmXoWVv1R3VXKRDnUfStrvmcHOc5dLrnu_P_ppi2GKG35F1QImxL_Yqm-xTY_6K2tb7fayXw7ar4O6_XLBUI5lz-vI9Vpa7juREEAtKp-JFIz2UvZnzs1sgJlSdPxLWlkXF4loBlEP19azwGACwiDclZAjxEp4ntYSabV9WD50" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL9r1MHbjMyjKqPl84DYmXoWVv1R3VXKRDnUfStrvmcHOc5dLrnu_P_ppi2GKG35F1QImxL_Yqm-xTY_6K2tb7fayXw7ar4O6_XLBUI5lz-vI9Vpa7juREEAtKp-JFIz2UvZnzs1sgJlSdPxLWlkXF4loBlEP19azwGACwiDclZAjxEp4ntYSabV9WD50=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>or the ground there was. I'm not seeing it as much for the last few weeks but there is at the very least six weeks of winter to go.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8qi_2sMbTELwKhgreU3o-Fj7CDQJCNKN5hXqOYzrSA-siHnK1xAOEJG0vfR8322NWAN6a_GtYO8P1X8-Y_ufhriHJCGLAp-J-wjKSmV00uH0TkUt3fBc_wLdwHNsRQM3hDfwQBL5lf9xIIxsj3iT3tZTQe8ZGT8AR7Z_O_NWX86RHJsxKONeErKYUNZs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8qi_2sMbTELwKhgreU3o-Fj7CDQJCNKN5hXqOYzrSA-siHnK1xAOEJG0vfR8322NWAN6a_GtYO8P1X8-Y_ufhriHJCGLAp-J-wjKSmV00uH0TkUt3fBc_wLdwHNsRQM3hDfwQBL5lf9xIIxsj3iT3tZTQe8ZGT8AR7Z_O_NWX86RHJsxKONeErKYUNZs=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Beats me where I took this one below, but let's just put it in the blog and get it off of my desktop which, btw, after writing about it I took the plunge and got rid of all those languishing photos on the desktop.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbX-UmtMlUupb1KB6x9IdKUYsTeh3CShyzrm4ZHZdB6O-TERyIk92ejDWV4xNjJO68iUO9cFnMJr4Tap1C60rZLP4wgyWMQLjwqt3COUckB2YkOvneVFJonbhYMlwpLRnNqtEts7Sdv-Xwazl_2zzO7rAnh-dFH-FLrisiCyYvpfbilpqn6LtZVzP6s6I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbX-UmtMlUupb1KB6x9IdKUYsTeh3CShyzrm4ZHZdB6O-TERyIk92ejDWV4xNjJO68iUO9cFnMJr4Tap1C60rZLP4wgyWMQLjwqt3COUckB2YkOvneVFJonbhYMlwpLRnNqtEts7Sdv-Xwazl_2zzO7rAnh-dFH-FLrisiCyYvpfbilpqn6LtZVzP6s6I=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div>What a hoot, I know exactly where I took this one!! And so do you. When they are small, I have no clue! <p></p><p>One day while walking the sky turned an amazing color and had one of those "sundogs" present.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdPP1_NYOmKCJraiHTc-UHLeFmU7wR089Fo9uO62ZUSYtINJHkGFuuSb_VHToSL1xJFmH4hQGwePIEW-ecnO3BK1eGkHYUp-bIwa30G2f9QHH6kjneQULDgfcX-Yy1HnYZEKBbj1Sdrmkb1BNqzv7E1DdC-ionkGQTUXPDirwPdnkYMhh45Fav0RcjdVg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdPP1_NYOmKCJraiHTc-UHLeFmU7wR089Fo9uO62ZUSYtINJHkGFuuSb_VHToSL1xJFmH4hQGwePIEW-ecnO3BK1eGkHYUp-bIwa30G2f9QHH6kjneQULDgfcX-Yy1HnYZEKBbj1Sdrmkb1BNqzv7E1DdC-ionkGQTUXPDirwPdnkYMhh45Fav0RcjdVg" width="360" /></a></div>Here's something I found not far from the back door amongst the wet leaves during the rainy weather. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwZKCOQMyKiii83uYZsANyCv5Z3FZrwFtVAnVDNuU8Ps-drzy4lkfJ9q-Gtt04KTnAHBpJN8Ejvij48d8wkl0UOgRdr3JdMLbTYO3WotxQFMPOAY4oaZhxHQrgNC14wJOG0Le4G-fT8fI7mSAykWXkyKuS5E6thvAOKuFyqtGWq0OnviS9lsRJKaMmM0k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwZKCOQMyKiii83uYZsANyCv5Z3FZrwFtVAnVDNuU8Ps-drzy4lkfJ9q-Gtt04KTnAHBpJN8Ejvij48d8wkl0UOgRdr3JdMLbTYO3WotxQFMPOAY4oaZhxHQrgNC14wJOG0Le4G-fT8fI7mSAykWXkyKuS5E6thvAOKuFyqtGWq0OnviS9lsRJKaMmM0k=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>One thing that has been really nice is the color of those leaves when wet. Not only do they look great on the ground, but on the trees where, according to John, they remain until pushed off by the new leaves. When they are dry, they shrivel and are more brown, but when wet, oh my that rust color is the best!<p></p><p>Still no sign of the bluebirds, but other birds are having no problem checking it out. Who will be the victor pray tell? Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, or perhaps even the White Breasted Nuthatch?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUKJIgfw95RyxYrWQ4QiTj7K1uxZ8tHe3mnHqmxEo7DuCulOFaTzZ70BioQkDg04_NKSmVhNxdYOV7Hfx0omfHsixMTKrrj5X0SNx24-tswKZcrlrdcB763Vw1PVWTadNshmu8T8QKaNAT5QRldQDBQmmOAfDWu2iTmG3yNwpxeLVL6STzteOQHCyImms" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUKJIgfw95RyxYrWQ4QiTj7K1uxZ8tHe3mnHqmxEo7DuCulOFaTzZ70BioQkDg04_NKSmVhNxdYOV7Hfx0omfHsixMTKrrj5X0SNx24-tswKZcrlrdcB763Vw1PVWTadNshmu8T8QKaNAT5QRldQDBQmmOAfDWu2iTmG3yNwpxeLVL6STzteOQHCyImms=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div>Say it ain't so! We want bluebirds! Remember these two?<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKbPrLducRbsE1DzBx-YYhLNKfKftaYlJf7AZ-Cavk5f4PlGIK--7dRBKRlJjP9_fEmZmi_9M4xV86W9Jpi4YDdF5RZ-cy7ncB9SHU9euz74zGSH_VhqCPb-sQ9oKyeEoOjo-l13RT3gQaqskiTJKmCorF8alVLaar181uFEArrwGHu0mBEbll2zLHaGE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="2914" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKbPrLducRbsE1DzBx-YYhLNKfKftaYlJf7AZ-Cavk5f4PlGIK--7dRBKRlJjP9_fEmZmi_9M4xV86W9Jpi4YDdF5RZ-cy7ncB9SHU9euz74zGSH_VhqCPb-sQ9oKyeEoOjo-l13RT3gQaqskiTJKmCorF8alVLaar181uFEArrwGHu0mBEbll2zLHaGE=w541-h640" width="541" /></a></div>I never finished up with our Asheville story and probably I won't go back in time aside from these images that I took in the car museum at the Grove Park Inn. I wish it did not have all the ceiling lights reflecting on it, but the facts are interesting, what you can read of them. One very telling sentence is the declaration that one can rarely sleep without a blanket AND there are no mosquitos, music to a Floridian's ears!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuCGAf6_IFvy_PxoDgPuVR1JD2ajH2ybnEKuwNbBlTjNstxCQxoXpv_9UTO4NItIcEsaL8DhGvebeOG0UH0w_DYuAwnAOkxjYYE02KO9Y4RwMqNyd692hH6u_0XD8jSuWhbXhwEmerT8FWr2XLHjs9j0XDZseAV3c5VBEW562PVSmhDrGX9OdfcVxjA6k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuCGAf6_IFvy_PxoDgPuVR1JD2ajH2ybnEKuwNbBlTjNstxCQxoXpv_9UTO4NItIcEsaL8DhGvebeOG0UH0w_DYuAwnAOkxjYYE02KO9Y4RwMqNyd692hH6u_0XD8jSuWhbXhwEmerT8FWr2XLHjs9j0XDZseAV3c5VBEW562PVSmhDrGX9OdfcVxjA6k=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Finest Resort hotel in the World! Our next visit we must go check it out inside. I will say that they had some fantastic grass for December!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6zFU0FeQBeeYuL06KBiDcGiDQtnCGer3w9ILMSnpfWrd4AUvN8RstccktNbkWMNHu0tWPy3n270g7N8WYGJcVYV9VXggzgzbB7o9PegfFVH_cIxWPusAherIJN03D_WU_XghYpTsv6LUKxoEvSQ6MClsJyV8A9RNhiUD6O8KA913fvVFNMQIdbsbf25k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6zFU0FeQBeeYuL06KBiDcGiDQtnCGer3w9ILMSnpfWrd4AUvN8RstccktNbkWMNHu0tWPy3n270g7N8WYGJcVYV9VXggzgzbB7o9PegfFVH_cIxWPusAherIJN03D_WU_XghYpTsv6LUKxoEvSQ6MClsJyV8A9RNhiUD6O8KA913fvVFNMQIdbsbf25k=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>For those who love Asheville it might interest you to learn when they began their huge growth spurt. No charts on how things went following the stock market crash!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6cbXZcPOKTCHBhXZ3LffE_5FhbFNnjJEJWGjbQ614-lal10zz3K3Isa0kpKRNIevv_fasrZy4d4vFrbSCFSy9hL-m0Murcicc9a1ldd2sj7FRVCMOvS-jq_JZuifTxa0ZHADHk304CK2NCMeMhc59nHdAzJ21qXumIc0QNHqG3rBzMGgVTtgmGr-C1Eg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6cbXZcPOKTCHBhXZ3LffE_5FhbFNnjJEJWGjbQ614-lal10zz3K3Isa0kpKRNIevv_fasrZy4d4vFrbSCFSy9hL-m0Murcicc9a1ldd2sj7FRVCMOvS-jq_JZuifTxa0ZHADHk304CK2NCMeMhc59nHdAzJ21qXumIc0QNHqG3rBzMGgVTtgmGr-C1Eg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>On our way home we stopped in Sylva for lunch which was delightful. More and more towns we visit have murals touting their assets.<p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF6iY0dutRohR1cvm4SM6Dy2A_QqpZs7lfaBq9QxOATT57Di2zc-CWRCWl-L-EpJFxPv58h9VTevNpPwrD1YQ9mZePpeBEhhhahBnNIlxFoaWy-uNvUGZOjWk3vxWnC4tPrGC3H5a6YDDZsH7GQaxVSFmU7s86QMG8wfRP5YnQsnOf1PVDhZTn8z2Fdek" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF6iY0dutRohR1cvm4SM6Dy2A_QqpZs7lfaBq9QxOATT57Di2zc-CWRCWl-L-EpJFxPv58h9VTevNpPwrD1YQ9mZePpeBEhhhahBnNIlxFoaWy-uNvUGZOjWk3vxWnC4tPrGC3H5a6YDDZsH7GQaxVSFmU7s86QMG8wfRP5YnQsnOf1PVDhZTn8z2Fdek=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>During a quick stop in an antique store, I could not resist the lighting!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGotYBPmh-B-dsgx-cjj89xwlGnoDSfBGqI72S8lJxmzGaVDlO2n6WGBTvo9w52QTqYue5dljN_6PB5we6UFkxrMO2Z3f0wEMN_15K7TxobgQ9-JIbYGnh1ZqS22CcFCeeFNGzvPCWNUj6S-uISpy-Q15G1Vb3lfPTjd1Cvaz9aXQwSEcz6IqyQr1lMI4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2802" data-original-width="3928" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGotYBPmh-B-dsgx-cjj89xwlGnoDSfBGqI72S8lJxmzGaVDlO2n6WGBTvo9w52QTqYue5dljN_6PB5we6UFkxrMO2Z3f0wEMN_15K7TxobgQ9-JIbYGnh1ZqS22CcFCeeFNGzvPCWNUj6S-uISpy-Q15G1Vb3lfPTjd1Cvaz9aXQwSEcz6IqyQr1lMI4=w640-h456" width="640" /></a></div>Aren't they just amazing glasses? Now you understand why I had to write a post to include random findings! Like the one below that we came across as we made our way back to the car after a fabulous lunch at Lulus. Fortunately Laura gave us the idea when I got in touch. It did not disappoint.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjY4KEMB93by6slNvFhDkZe19ktFPSHTZ_pvzUD35Ia25CvM0dAOlDxPUxlftkjxV8WWzP0YSDJgSQXi43PDa1ME-0l__YjWjFiDwPlDi0oBRgeRvhxxeJtdTxVVhdnkwM2AJlLrDx5GZTeIA9VXRoepbQqMbHu_ueL8MW0iwBdx7K0hnDxrrYfAiK-4Kw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjY4KEMB93by6slNvFhDkZe19ktFPSHTZ_pvzUD35Ia25CvM0dAOlDxPUxlftkjxV8WWzP0YSDJgSQXi43PDa1ME-0l__YjWjFiDwPlDi0oBRgeRvhxxeJtdTxVVhdnkwM2AJlLrDx5GZTeIA9VXRoepbQqMbHu_ueL8MW0iwBdx7K0hnDxrrYfAiK-4Kw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Western Carolina University is nearby and my research tells me that some of you may be familiar with one of their most famous alumni. If you guessed David Sedaris, you guessed right! Oh how we love his books! I have also had the pleasure of reading novels written by <a href="https://www.wcu.edu/stories/posts/News/2024/01/english-professor-picked-for-nc-literary-hall-of-fame.aspx">Ron Rash who teaches there</a> and has just been named to the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame. Previous winners include Thomas Wolfe and Lee Smith, who if you have never read a fantastic Southern novel written by a woman, I suggest you rectify that situation sooner rather than later!<p></p><p>Finally, as this post was meant to be short, I came across this, first in the park and more recently in my photo library.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisgjwG4F5H3HITA6JectKNpoi1m7V0IE2NLFP-4fC3lQHoBSgJmKBRwLJU-0tuhzjmKvwZHFk43PPI-TOmly4hrXiknhd1XlNgb6ri1BrQKcLEBdu0HD1uH20Zrr1IZ9qcxO7nPPpTcdL5OMEqSpnNLYMLkcc2A2KMuqbWzmg_tPT79IKy-gpw8CwLtWc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisgjwG4F5H3HITA6JectKNpoi1m7V0IE2NLFP-4fC3lQHoBSgJmKBRwLJU-0tuhzjmKvwZHFk43PPI-TOmly4hrXiknhd1XlNgb6ri1BrQKcLEBdu0HD1uH20Zrr1IZ9qcxO7nPPpTcdL5OMEqSpnNLYMLkcc2A2KMuqbWzmg_tPT79IKy-gpw8CwLtWc=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Does that really even mean anything? Who else would you be???<p></p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail</p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-16430749884752574532024-02-08T09:12:00.002-05:002024-02-08T09:12:24.516-05:00Elk, Cookies, Birds and More<p> Have you ever wondered what a female elk looks like up close? Wonder no more my dear readers.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUlTPaIrUYZQPc2xKY2eGzcO33L-AtWRKt9jTUsnyHAkJ3yuwpQSSF55QkC9UcfkmeksoB87BzmBNE5jXzUMYN8O4iJRgj60J5-UbZM3vG0g6XWakSr89dQcHmpvPyuB3IgcvfgjVfAEdnSgypiH_3rJN899c03yQVjYPaiEus3CrJyG1sqAr79d7xMGc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2527" data-original-width="3895" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUlTPaIrUYZQPc2xKY2eGzcO33L-AtWRKt9jTUsnyHAkJ3yuwpQSSF55QkC9UcfkmeksoB87BzmBNE5jXzUMYN8O4iJRgj60J5-UbZM3vG0g6XWakSr89dQcHmpvPyuB3IgcvfgjVfAEdnSgypiH_3rJN899c03yQVjYPaiEus3CrJyG1sqAr79d7xMGc=w640-h416" width="640" /></a></div>Feel free to return the stare.<p></p><p>I took this through the trees, thus the shadow, but I am happy to have gotten the moist snout and the bright eye. And, where pray tell did I take this. Read on!</p><p>Ever since I became aware that elks were present in Cherokee, NC, I have been dying to go and see them. Like for five months or so. Woo hoo, we went last week and it was not only beautiful weather, but a glorious day, that is until I smashed my thumb. I have every confidence that you will be happy to know that while it still hurts, I am managing. We are back to playing and practicing pickleball which is making both of us very happy indeed. </p><p>So let's go to Cherokee, shall we? The day began frosty as we made our way through Andrews, the part of the drive that you already know I love so much.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXg-Os9lI4CZvgjbu_8-dMNDg4_hhk-QdJupoyRhWcd52GnNoEOrJRa3392C9ztA_ksUWDUjyfmvfkQzZVmFBVxdxmOdFfqFDRD9WpoV5Z2F8SK8-CWK6tSGGDcDA6K05mJR9l8YEmG3f-rZRevcyxF1MxlCB6NAN1uLkICrni9bevhf5gOhx84KvFobw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXg-Os9lI4CZvgjbu_8-dMNDg4_hhk-QdJupoyRhWcd52GnNoEOrJRa3392C9ztA_ksUWDUjyfmvfkQzZVmFBVxdxmOdFfqFDRD9WpoV5Z2F8SK8-CWK6tSGGDcDA6K05mJR9l8YEmG3f-rZRevcyxF1MxlCB6NAN1uLkICrni9bevhf5gOhx84KvFobw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The mountains on both sides, the fog, the fields framing the road, trees, crossing the river several times, what pray tell is not to like?<p></p><p>Then you get to the foggy parts,</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrqiOJy0d1IAd4lYEzA6FmgB8fb_JOwl_vvy8bgkgdfsG0nvd80boi5BNrEHP9x08kSDqvT2mub78i-pwtOl0k7dgb2FT4rV25Ry3p-i2UXWEzicCotD_Dh8kS-LpPMcNxOR37jv3VWFWvLumBm0rARJu2fJhDwYd9eDELeJxB7IM_3oxPYzLQFUJ8B8o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrqiOJy0d1IAd4lYEzA6FmgB8fb_JOwl_vvy8bgkgdfsG0nvd80boi5BNrEHP9x08kSDqvT2mub78i-pwtOl0k7dgb2FT4rV25Ry3p-i2UXWEzicCotD_Dh8kS-LpPMcNxOR37jv3VWFWvLumBm0rARJu2fJhDwYd9eDELeJxB7IM_3oxPYzLQFUJ8B8o=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>not to mention windy! Bruce is doing such a great job driving us on all of these unfamiliar roads, but one thing that still bothers him is the notion that he might be going slower than the locals. That said, his confidence is increasing which each road trip.<p></p><p>Coming into Bryson City it was still foggy and overcast.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9DHak8BtvKsE_RzIEmXlxV4B9LcfmfGKd99HRGYbAx-9aKaHKDeXzXchfLySrBZr-TAQ3WET8S8OhECco0jPf4NtqSR0SHpQgUynow7LPw7F0grGFEFY81pyY-d62bxKA0_2Q3LotgFnCz9T6KREImkit1W6nlEGTwOSb19eWAxaF7-swMGLEFouQk5M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3094" data-original-width="4126" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9DHak8BtvKsE_RzIEmXlxV4B9LcfmfGKd99HRGYbAx-9aKaHKDeXzXchfLySrBZr-TAQ3WET8S8OhECco0jPf4NtqSR0SHpQgUynow7LPw7F0grGFEFY81pyY-d62bxKA0_2Q3LotgFnCz9T6KREImkit1W6nlEGTwOSb19eWAxaF7-swMGLEFouQk5M=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Although we spent no time there, one thing really caught my eye, necessitating a turn-around-the block and stop situation.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyD6BG97ww1gfVlakpbmNKNJ80Pvtv9YBWKtLFVgcjJin2B2krvvi4TSl7S7wDQ5G_GMkZQLKeQnSN4NgBCN-O63MB3CUGO_RblSpyii4nfhHRUhh-rs0mwpn9jDmMA67EvyT70ImwV9lzUMSyAn9t-5No_cc_g0Aeo5sfmAl3Dk5PzkIZjChv34jn0jk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2685" data-original-width="4122" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyD6BG97ww1gfVlakpbmNKNJ80Pvtv9YBWKtLFVgcjJin2B2krvvi4TSl7S7wDQ5G_GMkZQLKeQnSN4NgBCN-O63MB3CUGO_RblSpyii4nfhHRUhh-rs0mwpn9jDmMA67EvyT70ImwV9lzUMSyAn9t-5No_cc_g0Aeo5sfmAl3Dk5PzkIZjChv34jn0jk" width="640" /></a></div><br />Not only was the mural super sweet and fun, but when I looked in the shop window I was dying over a displayed dress that was so cute, but s<u>o unavailable</u> because they were closed. Not just because it was a little bit early, but because they have winter hours and are only open a few days a week, something we have discovered is not uncommon around these parts. Maybe another day we will return when I can go into the shop and perhaps come out with the Madison Look!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpMu94TvzTwWacAP8-5XQFKKTSAyc7vTnwGRt-4b_YEbgfZBBffbgLErs1vJCd5Yo_funVi8MrOSe9nrA042tS3By8q8wI8F7_iYJC2BpQ_tXk87aA30l0I-99Z0YgLcWN1PLACgMF0ALUjLL-k_GhDRo1IwX3CJLNVdIkZhHGx5Z0BbiYl2SRgwmLIgQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpMu94TvzTwWacAP8-5XQFKKTSAyc7vTnwGRt-4b_YEbgfZBBffbgLErs1vJCd5Yo_funVi8MrOSe9nrA042tS3By8q8wI8F7_iYJC2BpQ_tXk87aA30l0I-99Z0YgLcWN1PLACgMF0ALUjLL-k_GhDRo1IwX3CJLNVdIkZhHGx5Z0BbiYl2SRgwmLIgQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://www.gsmr.com/">The Great Smoky Mountain Railway</a> begins in Bryson City, helping the local economy immensely. Perhaps folks that come to ride it stay here?<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBwEgjcvSaPZoNRn4-ZX9VXalbuB7hRUYsm8zD1jWObYOZA18TOMg-8BQyGTQ6vleB8hLfqilPOBsBJPZp7BduCEsHUq7D0FcbtU2mIMcgwd1K_LF4FPeBy124rGF9IOKee7LnWrwiHCkZXVvOPNVbBW_y0i417FqVE3EDuErifpbSUHMwc2zVtBQhQJE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBwEgjcvSaPZoNRn4-ZX9VXalbuB7hRUYsm8zD1jWObYOZA18TOMg-8BQyGTQ6vleB8hLfqilPOBsBJPZp7BduCEsHUq7D0FcbtU2mIMcgwd1K_LF4FPeBy124rGF9IOKee7LnWrwiHCkZXVvOPNVbBW_y0i417FqVE3EDuErifpbSUHMwc2zVtBQhQJE=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>This is our first time being in a touristy area so things looked quite different as we approached the entrance to the GSM National Park. Lots of old-school motels along the way with super great signage.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb8OMtFAlmamUCjwwVR8BOOSnnAdyLvVgp8cLbS1Zt9dQo9-05o2-q2Sasj7zSSIqJ7-EhYFCqPss0BbG3kod_EiFP-D14ZbfGO_QT-bpSDMlAelTCFX80uB33QHh4zhXNUv3WSGG8OSRCpYdVLxJlAl2oc453ML55VkPYgMNEvt8PrBHLCSu56pjKV-I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="4118" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb8OMtFAlmamUCjwwVR8BOOSnnAdyLvVgp8cLbS1Zt9dQo9-05o2-q2Sasj7zSSIqJ7-EhYFCqPss0BbG3kod_EiFP-D14ZbfGO_QT-bpSDMlAelTCFX80uB33QHh4zhXNUv3WSGG8OSRCpYdVLxJlAl2oc453ML55VkPYgMNEvt8PrBHLCSu56pjKV-I=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The sign reads vacancy and indeed there were no people, but holy cow was there a lot of junk in front of it!<p></p><p>The Pink Motel! Love it!!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWaQNiS20CRKPaTUrpUT8yY36wuE55ogSBNj8JS5NSdYkV2IN6-rI3zuohA94-h1Mjipxd_ln4eSEfxXeGAmqk8yCo5v3gOyNSIY3uvrLgJFQM4YKXGuLIiCZbgRFJRlfWTR8ubBD5ZUPvavXnj2BD-zDvRLyoGF48pYZJkAmMZsw5wtoNd8AxUW_no_o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWaQNiS20CRKPaTUrpUT8yY36wuE55ogSBNj8JS5NSdYkV2IN6-rI3zuohA94-h1Mjipxd_ln4eSEfxXeGAmqk8yCo5v3gOyNSIY3uvrLgJFQM4YKXGuLIiCZbgRFJRlfWTR8ubBD5ZUPvavXnj2BD-zDvRLyoGF48pYZJkAmMZsw5wtoNd8AxUW_no_o=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I was getting more and more excited as we got closer, as was Bruce, however, we were disappointed as we made our way through Cherokee because it is SO touristy!! For my Orlando readers think International Drive with mountains surrounding it! <p></p><p>Before leaving the cottage I called the visitor center to see if elk were present on that day to which the employee replied that "yes they were but how far away are you?" When I told her Murphy she said, well then, I can't guarantee that they will be here when you arrive to which I replied, "I guess we will just take our chances." Although it is about 60 miles away it is most certainly not an hour away due to mountain driving! Lo and behold, look what we came across as we were approaching the center. Yeah, we were not pickled! Oh wait, this isn't pickleball! That term means that your opponents score 11 while your score is 0.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqvBtV37brUkDugdsYEFMEcXnbqgrS5OKILSBSpKYZfatdnx7Pyn7uKiTFaKU186_yjpQM7g4J_xelLFmHPUYRXERMFoOaRvhGqfCM-0aqIE41SkUQGJSvKTkc2WWzZXqlm0g5EXNeHWIYkXsNLUmI6TJz5-KJaHTRoS2eLwB7QitQd-JI7tON6IHWRTY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqvBtV37brUkDugdsYEFMEcXnbqgrS5OKILSBSpKYZfatdnx7Pyn7uKiTFaKU186_yjpQM7g4J_xelLFmHPUYRXERMFoOaRvhGqfCM-0aqIE41SkUQGJSvKTkc2WWzZXqlm0g5EXNeHWIYkXsNLUmI6TJz5-KJaHTRoS2eLwB7QitQd-JI7tON6IHWRTY=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">This was our first view of the herd, albeit from afar.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjX2epSA-fot-qUsiQzDZ0qDyw5YJ5s-6SZUfSx53uxngEHQVTEhjUDxbaJ7kj7vO9JawTb_2jam7nR_DxZl-6jrBW4CHqV6J_-AM2xybszAf5diTIwvtDBfzighcMpcNSjssGlaZb5JDk_sINpALQX5ELTn4v0a2HeezBWVYehLf6nfsUGN950h6uBq40" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3272" data-original-width="4363" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjX2epSA-fot-qUsiQzDZ0qDyw5YJ5s-6SZUfSx53uxngEHQVTEhjUDxbaJ7kj7vO9JawTb_2jam7nR_DxZl-6jrBW4CHqV6J_-AM2xybszAf5diTIwvtDBfzighcMpcNSjssGlaZb5JDk_sINpALQX5ELTn4v0a2HeezBWVYehLf6nfsUGN950h6uBq40" width="640" /></a></div>The visitor center is to the left of the image, as is the old farmstead, a group of buildings culled from throughout the park that were moved to make this exhibit.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeELFFJ9Y990P6GTH4TT3mQCgyeZB_cF3EV1etYr7UPXqBMdp0h6LRr79g6hkzjLwtU_ioYB8OpTKiGH2ca2Jf4lDl4BCtmSIk1DiV4rSMqAIvv2wgZjv0xO85C5YV9FsdoEGAIAn3HpNeCIio_MF8xCnk9lxHUh46PT--ia2Xsk_IyzsysW3t-PdfMHc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeELFFJ9Y990P6GTH4TT3mQCgyeZB_cF3EV1etYr7UPXqBMdp0h6LRr79g6hkzjLwtU_ioYB8OpTKiGH2ca2Jf4lDl4BCtmSIk1DiV4rSMqAIvv2wgZjv0xO85C5YV9FsdoEGAIAn3HpNeCIio_MF8xCnk9lxHUh46PT--ia2Xsk_IyzsysW3t-PdfMHc=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Here is the man of the house as we are walking back from the river walk. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiK03FS8D3gl7SSvCxDBryDvbUbr8GWSFX4Vn8-eYO8dwYr9IaGKCUPf4eOMQ5jdsvlDFBAOAw1mBePMHp6DodDK5iHDvGoGgRFIbSl9mYrbGG-QJvpddNi7IPPyVs9GILtzVhQ8cYB189c-l-MavWWMX3VYya3xmrEkwo3fr064lHeE4i0nD9XTNXV1tM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiK03FS8D3gl7SSvCxDBryDvbUbr8GWSFX4Vn8-eYO8dwYr9IaGKCUPf4eOMQ5jdsvlDFBAOAw1mBePMHp6DodDK5iHDvGoGgRFIbSl9mYrbGG-QJvpddNi7IPPyVs9GILtzVhQ8cYB189c-l-MavWWMX3VYya3xmrEkwo3fr064lHeE4i0nD9XTNXV1tM=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Well look here..it is the Pecks having fun in the crisp weather!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgffGHQtpLTBk43ZgJbFUL2OI_FGIGyAp1-hyL1xOEs9l6tkuPrS6LVT9n5RXyRyMF09jY2e3xcLpEUEZaYJgP09-GuYPDmie2AwcaXbKttglNA8LuqMYntAmEFcsX6BlNcfm5Rx6lobdoYa47XxEjN2EzFq31Oo-xTSbogAczOngg8An4wiU9tBpngNDE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgffGHQtpLTBk43ZgJbFUL2OI_FGIGyAp1-hyL1xOEs9l6tkuPrS6LVT9n5RXyRyMF09jY2e3xcLpEUEZaYJgP09-GuYPDmie2AwcaXbKttglNA8LuqMYntAmEFcsX6BlNcfm5Rx6lobdoYa47XxEjN2EzFq31Oo-xTSbogAczOngg8An4wiU9tBpngNDE" width="640" /></a></div>Selfies are not usually our thing, but it was too pretty of a day to not document our visit. We went on the river walk because the elk were gathered at the tree line on the other side of the walk which, while a little challenging through said trees, gave us a little closer look.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVUdGzYYcquSJIgpYJBtL9N3bGlmikPJv3n_QGcCROOuW0GPHoW3Dx_JLOhHclG8rYILi-2bO2SqEpmuC4b8wqMWk77DIwF8eG2pwHE5hD4phLNIV7_Y8fZ2JKlafANXBUCKXuuRV4YVFOhjV7Zts3B6DVseCTB2DVw2zonxFRUBUbdCQ67frnfJ1aTtQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3038" data-original-width="4060" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVUdGzYYcquSJIgpYJBtL9N3bGlmikPJv3n_QGcCROOuW0GPHoW3Dx_JLOhHclG8rYILi-2bO2SqEpmuC4b8wqMWk77DIwF8eG2pwHE5hD4phLNIV7_Y8fZ2JKlafANXBUCKXuuRV4YVFOhjV7Zts3B6DVseCTB2DVw2zonxFRUBUbdCQ67frnfJ1aTtQ=w640-h478" width="640" /></a></div>We learned from a lovely older couple that what you are seeing is the bull of the herd who has forty gals in his harem!! When we first arrived we had seen him from the back and wondered about there being any more males.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXnKr4RPScpwGSakGAymFuH1voY3oybUz_cNZYBIxqpdjCM7UB3V_rx-_JHhUfNwNzFLIr6QZtEc9xMdW24KYApCfoerHT-PwT_IGwmIkV3CpvSSAi84APJqd-jk1ZgOnHg9IsnwoCOgkEJ-9KzNGsD0mi8oD-MaexCZsqJiFxCO_k1xds3Pv9oUwkdsY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2146" data-original-width="2861" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXnKr4RPScpwGSakGAymFuH1voY3oybUz_cNZYBIxqpdjCM7UB3V_rx-_JHhUfNwNzFLIr6QZtEc9xMdW24KYApCfoerHT-PwT_IGwmIkV3CpvSSAi84APJqd-jk1ZgOnHg9IsnwoCOgkEJ-9KzNGsD0mi8oD-MaexCZsqJiFxCO_k1xds3Pv9oUwkdsY=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>There was one more with a broken antler who mixed in with the ladies. Bruce kept reminding me of the signs which said to say at least 50 feet away which was not all that easy to do on that walk! Oh my the river was pretty!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglJMmqb4QCkjd_eVots86uYyntItJMLJ-buC-cvNzxPSE86JZgMreHVum_9EUn1rx2GbqrfxyANBZ2d6xQtOI77sVNAwQ-FU70WoSbEJI3unMWTN332qeD5me3NOSAC1PK_j3zR6pU3N_rCGAaoiZnDpr03ujmAWtU7vBuYsoroPfPY4T1z2XN2SY3L5U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglJMmqb4QCkjd_eVots86uYyntItJMLJ-buC-cvNzxPSE86JZgMreHVum_9EUn1rx2GbqrfxyANBZ2d6xQtOI77sVNAwQ-FU70WoSbEJI3unMWTN332qeD5me3NOSAC1PK_j3zR6pU3N_rCGAaoiZnDpr03ujmAWtU7vBuYsoroPfPY4T1z2XN2SY3L5U" width="640" /></a></div>The farm exhibit was great as well. I took this photo to demonstrate how every part is built on the stacking principle. Pretty neat, huh?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8E1XSUxmRYs09Q76gRJOar86rUUDLkCS_uS3irgEH5sH4In2qIOflPzurMe1jgiRzjWDEZyGo49N-561TZLOIWYhhef-M9BTuS3imOub9Sn7uRcsmYIwsOxsmPkKQFQqgbi7x8Ku3V_Ocg0MkHW9BP3JcblAuXvupDh2W9Jj0hwzuLyXalORUH2U-1rI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8E1XSUxmRYs09Q76gRJOar86rUUDLkCS_uS3irgEH5sH4In2qIOflPzurMe1jgiRzjWDEZyGo49N-561TZLOIWYhhef-M9BTuS3imOub9Sn7uRcsmYIwsOxsmPkKQFQqgbi7x8Ku3V_Ocg0MkHW9BP3JcblAuXvupDh2W9Jj0hwzuLyXalORUH2U-1rI=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>I was very interested as well in these purple martin houses made out of gourds as they would have been done back in the day.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlUsyl2IJCcxofb26p83IBfVJxTLJSnhQNPNbWp98NN-WfNmcN5q1FDMySQ-R9mMeOSl6CoSwpwNnpPllgY1VUj009UM6jbHjAYzznqXdx58vUq9c_xXqIPBWGfOFPMIbWyoqOC4W_51WQH4vmQKUkIvof61Ms83EwubOKYL-UJAgpu6J9Qs_nAjU6tZs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlUsyl2IJCcxofb26p83IBfVJxTLJSnhQNPNbWp98NN-WfNmcN5q1FDMySQ-R9mMeOSl6CoSwpwNnpPllgY1VUj009UM6jbHjAYzznqXdx58vUq9c_xXqIPBWGfOFPMIbWyoqOC4W_51WQH4vmQKUkIvof61Ms83EwubOKYL-UJAgpu6J9Qs_nAjU6tZs" width="640" /></a></div>As we were leaving, one more appeared along the roadway, something that apparently occurs with frequency. Well heck, we saw one on our way in as you might recall.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhC82X-j9YJWxeEjPJgoBZYx57sBBiq7q_xKsEQQxJueru74njakJNDGe1YCgUong4JM3Hi7uk8oqZWfjmWKmqqVxFl89jM0v7955Q1a5ImYFbzrKJslkHWgFzNeLZbsjMNa48tmhC-t22Z8YmTzzTQoeKvqyCxrS_qKN6JRq5q5LDUuaTaRxWTeyKY4do" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3108" data-original-width="3867" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhC82X-j9YJWxeEjPJgoBZYx57sBBiq7q_xKsEQQxJueru74njakJNDGe1YCgUong4JM3Hi7uk8oqZWfjmWKmqqVxFl89jM0v7955Q1a5ImYFbzrKJslkHWgFzNeLZbsjMNa48tmhC-t22Z8YmTzzTQoeKvqyCxrS_qKN6JRq5q5LDUuaTaRxWTeyKY4do" width="597" /></a></div>It was an awesome visit to the gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The drive home was fairly straightforward, but unfortunately we missed our turn so went on a crazy winding road to hook up with our original route. There was this lovely view which will be impossible in a few months time because of the kudzu. We are really puzzled as to why they don't do more to rip it all out in the winter, but what do we know? Someone has a reason, or perhaps it is lack of employees, but in any case between the trees and the kudzu we would have seen not much. Instead, a glorious view on a glorious February day.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpe7iAj3nAgJvIR_bzTZRRI3xVGnJ1DFWLyPsqNYtmQVzT__PVAVA9qV51VGNt2-zIIdCzuAMwdPUuDtQMDgWepgaaxrf97eyzeqfzX6f-JLIqxaDm5J1eAybvDwN6fHOXYPeXQ6g4VFs2see-19Qv8FXQib8B8Erx7wxGWsIaoEPECeXgNUYnAtXgjQI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpe7iAj3nAgJvIR_bzTZRRI3xVGnJ1DFWLyPsqNYtmQVzT__PVAVA9qV51VGNt2-zIIdCzuAMwdPUuDtQMDgWepgaaxrf97eyzeqfzX6f-JLIqxaDm5J1eAybvDwN6fHOXYPeXQ6g4VFs2see-19Qv8FXQib8B8Erx7wxGWsIaoEPECeXgNUYnAtXgjQI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>And then I shut my thumb in the car door in Franklin marring what up till then was a perfect field trip. We were vacillating about getting lunch and then wondered if we had some crackers or the like in the back seat of the car. <u>That was the mission that went awry</u>. What saved me, aside from it not bleeding what with me being on blood thinners and all, was, when I could speak again, I said I needed ice quickly. Turns out within two or so blocks there was a McDonalds where we did get something to eat and ice for my thumb. It still hurts like a son of a gun, but I suspect it will for a while. I am managing. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've been meaning to show you this beautiful cake that was part of the church luncheon a week or so ago. So pretty and it was delicious too. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8n_8S2kc0KSsRxG_bFAYA8iWAeeB-oRyV2j8OGe7VI2VQQNjhVF6lSe3cOivmFq-ZpwDgo9STNI9Qlt1L50vwwKsXG2UNN6NnPoc8VjNbMGq7D9ewX0vaHXbteV1ZDAsTIJSmcB8rMpw9n9YIDeTMkqUcP_Y7fKyAdmb-ilMJk6_3q7EHK-A7gKsJlMU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8n_8S2kc0KSsRxG_bFAYA8iWAeeB-oRyV2j8OGe7VI2VQQNjhVF6lSe3cOivmFq-ZpwDgo9STNI9Qlt1L50vwwKsXG2UNN6NnPoc8VjNbMGq7D9ewX0vaHXbteV1ZDAsTIJSmcB8rMpw9n9YIDeTMkqUcP_Y7fKyAdmb-ilMJk6_3q7EHK-A7gKsJlMU=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>Let's talk about baking and I mean in my own kitchen. Here's a question for you--have you ever wondered what would happen if you used the wrong leavening agent while baking cookies? Probably not. I shall spare you the experiment because I've discovered the answer purely by accident. Or, maybe I should say stupidity? At any rate, I had not baked cookies since Christmas, so when Bruce was asked whether or not he would like come chocolate chip cookies, well you can guess what his response was can't you? Never in all of my years of baking cookies have I ever used baking powder when the recipe calls for baking soda but now I have and here's what the cookies look like with that ingredient swap.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8yNKC4fl2wGpXey5OvUEMqhTbdzstCDpgJYzwI3M-4JoHd7rEHoXnOO4dQo--K962T65nns9ucYsbxm0ZxRfE_QxELjKih2FsuTYJYllQxtj_LBB_oG6n9Vz-zhES2ogACk-52bmaKaZIPVfBROk7igHfOud9CqOXTYhYUz-NshEIBwwLQzAVAyS3P0U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2703" data-original-width="2839" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8yNKC4fl2wGpXey5OvUEMqhTbdzstCDpgJYzwI3M-4JoHd7rEHoXnOO4dQo--K962T65nns9ucYsbxm0ZxRfE_QxELjKih2FsuTYJYllQxtj_LBB_oG6n9Vz-zhES2ogACk-52bmaKaZIPVfBROk7igHfOud9CqOXTYhYUz-NshEIBwwLQzAVAyS3P0U=w640-h610" width="640" /></a></div>Generally I only bake one batch at a time so when the first batch came out looking like the above I wanted to blame it on the oven. So I adjusted the temperature which was high so I was sure that was the problem. Nope. Next I moved the oven rack and again I had cookies with a ring around them and very soft centers. Not to mention pretty tiny, but still I had no clue. Finally, after they were all nearly baked, I looked in my fabulous <i>Joy of Cooking</i> cookbook and upon reading their recipe, it hit me right away! I still wasn't willing to take the blame and went so far as to have Bruce get the empty chip bag out of the garbage, all the while hoping they had printed it wrong. Fat chance! </div><div><br /></div><div>So not only did I have the thumb accident, baked the cookies wrong and, here's a funny one. On our field trip I discovered that I had put my leggings on inside out!! I fixed it at the park bathroom and in my defense they are black on both sides, but still. What next? I wish I were not so clumsy or stupid but one needs to call a spade a spade when one sees one!</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh wait, here's another crazy thing. I ordered a new muffin pan and did not check the proper delivery option so it went to Orlando along with a new jigsaw puzzle from Amazon. Not wanting to bother with returning it from afar, nor bothering friends, I ordered another one and let me tell you it is a winner and worth every penny. Get this...no greasing the cups required! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr2eZf9LBOg33P9KTtYgMJJ4uBdUVxUALsD-v8xkfRxlrkoKqUiyDRqEAplvJMmDIiHKNhTIuu9U2jmkygN8TupMaSRIMtgjnGnD5tzzCYLoePqok2BzNZkZikuBt3-ud0fJdUu6RRTXQfejhxYiryGhN8d1W9G-sMPGAXItexNV_iCs9gyn6K5ExSeDg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr2eZf9LBOg33P9KTtYgMJJ4uBdUVxUALsD-v8xkfRxlrkoKqUiyDRqEAplvJMmDIiHKNhTIuu9U2jmkygN8TupMaSRIMtgjnGnD5tzzCYLoePqok2BzNZkZikuBt3-ud0fJdUu6RRTXQfejhxYiryGhN8d1W9G-sMPGAXItexNV_iCs9gyn6K5ExSeDg" width="640" /></a></div>The pop right out and a little water in the hot pan softens any remnants. Perfection!</div><div><br /></div><div>The puzzle I ordered to replace the one that is in Orlando was a beauty and although I got off to a great start, I had to bring in the calvary. Unlike me, Bruce sorts the pieces in a tidy fashion.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiX8ae0x47R8s5eAGYc93XnF_k5737okoOugnRQ8bcrQPqzThOImmiRrfXB8rGo8dacWU52NJpWVmQ560GxMbOeBVpfcb5SS60WVdQ5Y7yKiYe4k617HIAHJCvFz7yho3RJ87XXCpVszWIQQP0Eq-x_2DifY5OC6s0gG3e5tmW5heAST0tzZRbEKs0EYyk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiX8ae0x47R8s5eAGYc93XnF_k5737okoOugnRQ8bcrQPqzThOImmiRrfXB8rGo8dacWU52NJpWVmQ560GxMbOeBVpfcb5SS60WVdQ5Y7yKiYe4k617HIAHJCvFz7yho3RJ87XXCpVszWIQQP0Eq-x_2DifY5OC6s0gG3e5tmW5heAST0tzZRbEKs0EYyk=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Together we finished it and isn't it just so pretty? Gallison is the manufacturer. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVYWTCxoK3w9YIl5ocaDJj9YeOTaR7Yx_8_RGCgO3PtWK7Wco233XTSufhd6YyrvLBM7pXIU8KS7Sp7cx8yp7LiiZemFur5vMqkSw3GvVTUv8PG-rbF5ZnN1f9Vu4oNaLPEjeeDvfn1YTzIKjAoZDlNKudg3XMvVvGzsJ-B5HlDNsnv5jfaqsy7NiU8Xw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVYWTCxoK3w9YIl5ocaDJj9YeOTaR7Yx_8_RGCgO3PtWK7Wco233XTSufhd6YyrvLBM7pXIU8KS7Sp7cx8yp7LiiZemFur5vMqkSw3GvVTUv8PG-rbF5ZnN1f9Vu4oNaLPEjeeDvfn1YTzIKjAoZDlNKudg3XMvVvGzsJ-B5HlDNsnv5jfaqsy7NiU8Xw=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>I know there are those amongst you that can complete a puzzle of 1,000 pieces, without even looking at the picture I might add, however, this couple is sticking with 500 which is challenging enough for us!</div><div><br /></div><div>While many folks have thought we should have returned to Florida for part of the winter, as has been repeated a number of times, I am enjoying the winter and Bruce is growing to like it as well. (note big smile in our selfie!) We considered coming home for a few weeks, but why quit in the middle of an experiment? What if it snows and we miss it? Although it has been unseasonably warm here, cold weather is still very much a possibility. And then there is this:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0AvdTbOPQmoPWCwK_Yf7FU3GQY6x1TorgmTkqBiZDKjYVv1mo9T5hxiweYxK-a1fDUQ0Okz9-lgTMnwPdOsfmk1b7I7L_znTtKiLOsTtgKiEIPgzeq8SSV5JViXNaT5B7pcK2gydrSc2P-O-51ycQOOkqmAVG6dM7Ylsbm65zTWQwwv5yxnX91Ir9Hl8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0AvdTbOPQmoPWCwK_Yf7FU3GQY6x1TorgmTkqBiZDKjYVv1mo9T5hxiweYxK-a1fDUQ0Okz9-lgTMnwPdOsfmk1b7I7L_znTtKiLOsTtgKiEIPgzeq8SSV5JViXNaT5B7pcK2gydrSc2P-O-51ycQOOkqmAVG6dM7Ylsbm65zTWQwwv5yxnX91Ir9Hl8" width="640" /></a></div>The garden you have now become familiar with because of the feeders and hot tub has multiple groups of sprouts and I can hardly wait to see what happens next. I am beginning to appreciate how much having seasons changes ones life and seemingly, in many ways, for the better. It gives a person something to look forward to and I don't mean the end of greater summer and beginning of lesser summer like it has always been for me in Florida. The days are lengthening and it now feels sort of weird for it to be light after 6pm. Are you feeling the same? </div><div><br /></div><div>And in the last of today's exciting news, look what happened last week.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7XkDabRpYHCMJbrWuuGybriqYzUKYli77_wHtZdsfRWWC1oKkVmUS6wxu48SLTm3duQvOC5bvWfgEhYRR5J-JQwc2T05kJ5TUJGI-eHZ-TZzJrUwm7S67N7rPv7NVqN8WV4Ke9PZ9QLVXfAHcIsPE3VfyziUCLZDQHihrnvCEAImwkUP5trdRlGlZgIA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7XkDabRpYHCMJbrWuuGybriqYzUKYli77_wHtZdsfRWWC1oKkVmUS6wxu48SLTm3duQvOC5bvWfgEhYRR5J-JQwc2T05kJ5TUJGI-eHZ-TZzJrUwm7S67N7rPv7NVqN8WV4Ke9PZ9QLVXfAHcIsPE3VfyziUCLZDQHihrnvCEAImwkUP5trdRlGlZgIA=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div>You would think I was some sort of scientist or something what with the amount of time I spend watching the birds come and go. In spite of all of that time I have not seen my couple again since I took the above late last week. My gut tells me they will return when they are good and ready, but I am hoping it will be sooner rather than later. I caught them eying out the property that day so I know they are interested.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgglTr3lvQUnrwz5JO_qCZB1LCxMKG4Lz8NJXyr1cibjo5F4HK1Ev3tsdP1na3-Rey4im9bF9qKzr8o6SA7_x2eR_SVp5sxv6nqACdV3KaTptmB3gKShGtGbAcFiSAGQ1cR4qndXSYr0yg_yLXPaDRiWq6hmNR9lvGt6QO6a4Ixgh3BDGks4kBXwP7RoXk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgglTr3lvQUnrwz5JO_qCZB1LCxMKG4Lz8NJXyr1cibjo5F4HK1Ev3tsdP1na3-Rey4im9bF9qKzr8o6SA7_x2eR_SVp5sxv6nqACdV3KaTptmB3gKShGtGbAcFiSAGQ1cR4qndXSYr0yg_yLXPaDRiWq6hmNR9lvGt6QO6a4Ixgh3BDGks4kBXwP7RoXk=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div>Here's a little something though....who knows what prompted me to do so but I have been keeping a list of birds that have come to the feeders or the ground below, which btw, we had a new guest this week in the form of a Hermit Thrush, but anyway, I went through my photo albums and discovered that I have photographed a lot of different species in my days. To the tune of 135! I agree that with 10,000 species in the world it is a mere drop in the bucket but I am excited nonetheless.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well folks, that's all the news that is fit for print from Charlotte's Cottage. Never fear, there will be more.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQVhpMCvQuJTPFcUSXwWEFlScrhDFGMXzUCKhLPYS6x7T0vUVRTCIxE52EhtmDigJtGCDPqjHIQeR316lgxTgv0-xv2SF4dDBfPrFuG8xs5GPTQQxdtZ2l7rfD9wtcCGD_kI-np71jFLqZxlfPkHAxP6G8tOSAINZu5z9Y10--F7z2apfDglSLixPl5jQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQVhpMCvQuJTPFcUSXwWEFlScrhDFGMXzUCKhLPYS6x7T0vUVRTCIxE52EhtmDigJtGCDPqjHIQeR316lgxTgv0-xv2SF4dDBfPrFuG8xs5GPTQQxdtZ2l7rfD9wtcCGD_kI-np71jFLqZxlfPkHAxP6G8tOSAINZu5z9Y10--F7z2apfDglSLixPl5jQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br />your friend,</div><div><br /></div><div>Gail<br /></div>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-2804933460626330252024-01-31T12:14:00.000-05:002024-01-31T12:14:22.876-05:00Ending January on a High/Low Note<p>We made it! January is nearly no more and we did just fine, if I do say so myself. Beginning the year with Covid was not my idea of a great start to the year, but aside from being out of shape, we both have experienced no long lasting effects. Bruce is back to his senior body building ways and I am walking whenever the weather cooperates.</p><p>Because there is a lot of grey in the landscape seeing the bountiful Nandini berries is always a day brightener. Someone left these to decorate one of the park's picnic tables, or at least that is my version of the story. What were they thinking do you suppose?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6LtQ8gQlPUudDYGS-1yQwzULhgVw5wTZqC0OJgilVkz30AzrAMUSGi0s0ysY7Fw4VVHKwaJQXIJLbFEzkNS3fCLEy49gKIuuhzoFPVNt3-Qu49M3HLk6DKnvE7myI5Huj9Kw5ysnnQ623CqXIxjOa7TnKkVtPAiEfPrIs-VElzqDC4wMbov3HjKR0mb0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6LtQ8gQlPUudDYGS-1yQwzULhgVw5wTZqC0OJgilVkz30AzrAMUSGi0s0ysY7Fw4VVHKwaJQXIJLbFEzkNS3fCLEy49gKIuuhzoFPVNt3-Qu49M3HLk6DKnvE7myI5Huj9Kw5ysnnQ623CqXIxjOa7TnKkVtPAiEfPrIs-VElzqDC4wMbov3HjKR0mb0=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The brilliant red is such a contrast to most everything around it, aside from the holly berries to be found in the three trees by the dozens.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPHT2S9vXKrJ8z-m3H4VH4hvSLI4YApT_NXPAr2piVct9ea6UOW4oNIZwMaudhYHupp5iIWGUoHBKRWcagftxcJND4dwXaNhZTqCEvCRfsA6se_2kj59GPXboqx3K_tA1L0-xKDawHovTBOtFRqTWCKxtAZBUSRUI4znYGeetM9sdTVkkCYHeRMrz7Vgw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPHT2S9vXKrJ8z-m3H4VH4hvSLI4YApT_NXPAr2piVct9ea6UOW4oNIZwMaudhYHupp5iIWGUoHBKRWcagftxcJND4dwXaNhZTqCEvCRfsA6se_2kj59GPXboqx3K_tA1L0-xKDawHovTBOtFRqTWCKxtAZBUSRUI4znYGeetM9sdTVkkCYHeRMrz7Vgw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I have been taking photographs like they are going out of style, so paring them down to a blog post is quite the task. Bruce told me he thought my last post was really good, however, from what I can tell, most people didn't come across it so <a href="https://gpeck.blogspot.com/2024/01/a-frosty-walk.html">here it is again</a>. Why that is relevant is because in that post I mentioned we were soon to be heading out for dinner with some new friends and when it was time to go, this is what the drive was like.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQv66u9RofPJ0GHt_713LdDhoJv0oX4mLuF6RMRVwOWPHKtfg08wpgxzL8RwrXoBXAcy2B9v6ONWjS5DqGDtbTNgqWQJ4bU3cgjaXZoy6IOrK4LQ3VCJB-jhsl0I577PCpqZk-iZLtZWZxputuwSiuZACMjbfUo9W65SPF27X6YdrmXqk0LGdGVNysqOg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQv66u9RofPJ0GHt_713LdDhoJv0oX4mLuF6RMRVwOWPHKtfg08wpgxzL8RwrXoBXAcy2B9v6ONWjS5DqGDtbTNgqWQJ4bU3cgjaXZoy6IOrK4LQ3VCJB-jhsl0I577PCpqZk-iZLtZWZxputuwSiuZACMjbfUo9W65SPF27X6YdrmXqk0LGdGVNysqOg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Not ideal for older folks. Bruce is becoming somewhat more comfortable driving in the mountains, but when it is pouring and almost dark, well that makes for a bit of a tense drive. Nonetheless, we made it and had a marvelous time at their eclectic house and I mean that in a good way. The back yard sold them and no wonder when you have a waterfall right behind your deck!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGC_GvqJV20fUzP6HZekMLG5idUdhxLw6wB6JHFEog-R_akTGNMpFTJ-IZSIRBGCGAgJwn0eWtQQwCipGxmP4jHkw7jJJyY7C8z0tpYO9SYkx7oqQ-2-lp27ojPL_9ag15SoPhogHgmxjmJukZGiRUJ5LfBIIX5S8KdK03XdxNgOifxh2P1FSwJyyjORI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGC_GvqJV20fUzP6HZekMLG5idUdhxLw6wB6JHFEog-R_akTGNMpFTJ-IZSIRBGCGAgJwn0eWtQQwCipGxmP4jHkw7jJJyY7C8z0tpYO9SYkx7oqQ-2-lp27ojPL_9ag15SoPhogHgmxjmJukZGiRUJ5LfBIIX5S8KdK03XdxNgOifxh2P1FSwJyyjORI=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>They both follow a Keto diet and we were treated to some delicious food that was good for everyone. Another couple from church were there, Alice and Ron, who live near us. One thing that I have continued thinking about are the delicious deviled eggs made from their own chickens. Twelve chickens to be exact.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3p9oyFoJ-NvNxqyJWChbxORBf0N0c8FlbRubCbowYL5HL02F6ZsPcxIBJEChVjuj2nvbXzayEqqNUFu1Q2WLDHWmRiWSPYpNN-dYNoLaMfHIjvqh2P11XSCo4C63SopdaEfjBvMiFGLMjxtOE-KZ8x28u2_6uTT8UAVEsxgUjXSW5PKnbAUiQW9LMs9c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2806" data-original-width="4210" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3p9oyFoJ-NvNxqyJWChbxORBf0N0c8FlbRubCbowYL5HL02F6ZsPcxIBJEChVjuj2nvbXzayEqqNUFu1Q2WLDHWmRiWSPYpNN-dYNoLaMfHIjvqh2P11XSCo4C63SopdaEfjBvMiFGLMjxtOE-KZ8x28u2_6uTT8UAVEsxgUjXSW5PKnbAUiQW9LMs9c=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>While I was dying to see them, rain, dark and cold for that matter, kept me inside. <u>We are so grateful to the folks who have made us feel so welcome during our time here in Murphy.</u><p></p><p>As you might note, all of the news so far has been good and that is because I am saving a little something, and really it is a minor set-back, for later in the post. </p><p>Onward with good stuff! Winter is good! The light, at least when the sun makes an appearance, is fantastic!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEji2g7mModVD4WOEqfdHLNBlwaXJkX-P8Vf0SXTeIKSJ3Rwr9zOTsDZ13wVlQ1pdCxUS3y-V7TJTsMWD_qbA2IOVJsXD4CDlXqYFmdLYuIGy-TU0lj715CT1qwBlJyo4P4uV6ZZb8cQJJsRZAo50Slk8p_SUZYvtH1idYth3BwUzCIUzHFBnPt4336pVxQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEji2g7mModVD4WOEqfdHLNBlwaXJkX-P8Vf0SXTeIKSJ3Rwr9zOTsDZ13wVlQ1pdCxUS3y-V7TJTsMWD_qbA2IOVJsXD4CDlXqYFmdLYuIGy-TU0lj715CT1qwBlJyo4P4uV6ZZb8cQJJsRZAo50Slk8p_SUZYvtH1idYth3BwUzCIUzHFBnPt4336pVxQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Don't get too used to exciting bird shots, or at the very least interesting, because soon enough, with leaves on the trees, they will not be nearly so easy to spot.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3i2FPWyVi6y71YCBdLS3SmG_VBAYrKUuNgp_4MSNgUBMn37KdFRbt7cZpw0rNVHTRhnKIEdmOWyJzn9rYRsK_1Vzz3urm7QwaEwq8np9U1LVyBkeH3ZDnmL753eQpwVkeCH9AyRWqsUSkNDvDEHHCDe4stwfExNlr3jijFogo3jWxDwgvNbP1SoNcA7w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3i2FPWyVi6y71YCBdLS3SmG_VBAYrKUuNgp_4MSNgUBMn37KdFRbt7cZpw0rNVHTRhnKIEdmOWyJzn9rYRsK_1Vzz3urm7QwaEwq8np9U1LVyBkeH3ZDnmL753eQpwVkeCH9AyRWqsUSkNDvDEHHCDe4stwfExNlr3jijFogo3jWxDwgvNbP1SoNcA7w=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div>No, <u>we have not had any bluebirds</u> near the house but they are fairly easy to find at the park adjacent to the river. Honestly I cannot get enough of those pretty birds.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxcL351KAhP7DqTUOuTuaYm3K6P9gJun-dRlFv63OaUIg-uJGzAJUNYiaG5gbW8fUesfVQxkSRo2WTVuAHkoTzTTzfch7qQv_ZX8dtbNFQfK79KNWO4TybpX_7_7HdXPjNKk-KT3JxqlWiXpBNh9SjmMQacce2XgeuRz4gEIReEVT5BWxxSouV1SX-Eqc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2632" data-original-width="3464" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxcL351KAhP7DqTUOuTuaYm3K6P9gJun-dRlFv63OaUIg-uJGzAJUNYiaG5gbW8fUesfVQxkSRo2WTVuAHkoTzTTzfch7qQv_ZX8dtbNFQfK79KNWO4TybpX_7_7HdXPjNKk-KT3JxqlWiXpBNh9SjmMQacce2XgeuRz4gEIReEVT5BWxxSouV1SX-Eqc=w640-h486" width="640" /></a></div>Just this morning I saw a Tufted Titmouse enter Bruce's bird house several times!!! Checking out the real estate? Only time will tell.<p></p><p>Our feeders are emptied nearly as quickly as Bruce can fill them, providing, especially this obsessed woman, a lot of entertainment. Last week we had a new guest, a House Finch came to check things out.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCrHsn7CyHcJGq2SWebmME4CLohhNfH3tpXx3o60LNVH-a2qc2shgI8FScSsb3NiIJ1nn5bWYKHXT0-FVKXhSWuYke7JMPwMDamXLG6DW8IMQdAEb9rfKhPdAKHKPRa6pLqEClOHrYi4BNn0wst77UIgbhPxiYVubRdRUnqqLe0oEQPmQHlCgG2zvYZBo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2948" data-original-width="4200" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCrHsn7CyHcJGq2SWebmME4CLohhNfH3tpXx3o60LNVH-a2qc2shgI8FScSsb3NiIJ1nn5bWYKHXT0-FVKXhSWuYke7JMPwMDamXLG6DW8IMQdAEb9rfKhPdAKHKPRa6pLqEClOHrYi4BNn0wst77UIgbhPxiYVubRdRUnqqLe0oEQPmQHlCgG2zvYZBo=w640-h450" width="640" /></a></div>I read somewhere that when one arrives, soon others will follow, and while that may be true it is hard to imagine, what with the volume of birds we have how they will find places at the table. It is so hard to depict in a photograph, but lets just say that there is a feeding frenzy going on throughout the day! And while this is <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/when-136-bird-species-show-up-at-a-feeder-which-one-wins/#">not the article</a> I first read, it does describe the bird "fight club" going on at one's home feeders. Here's hoping I can find the other article because I want to share it with Bruce, but anyway, after reading it, I watched ever more closely to see who would push the other one aside. Very entertaining indeed.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3L8RNLI4iM5nIhsyKTYw6l3uAjWnWLMmmcq4d3Lj2xjeXJXyeda5-kkFaKWPiz4ycO3sxdjuU8gFIcw7YkQKhLWbGFlbzZI82Q5y9Iizb8xak5ZTvvaMIQnvMi2BzkOj82VXuIB84v5YX_0R8q5WI1jqPsWAU0KapKm6q5CC_MlFWrT-GsWrcUXhV_Hc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img data-original-height="2898" data-original-width="4254" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3L8RNLI4iM5nIhsyKTYw6l3uAjWnWLMmmcq4d3Lj2xjeXJXyeda5-kkFaKWPiz4ycO3sxdjuU8gFIcw7YkQKhLWbGFlbzZI82Q5y9Iizb8xak5ZTvvaMIQnvMi2BzkOj82VXuIB84v5YX_0R8q5WI1jqPsWAU0KapKm6q5CC_MlFWrT-GsWrcUXhV_Hc=w640-h436" width="640" /></a>Also entertaining was looking out and seeing some local bucks having a go at one another. It began like this and please forgive the quality because I was on the porch shooting through the screen, but let's check it out and you decide. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN_ZkfMVTam8L7P06GdVsMlzq4dXZHfcPp2PuR_kWqX1X0XziegHp0Be46xsb-ZPNtoJauP6wWwXNL4yACAM8k_uMVk6_FCgtM9d60qK5sNQMJNKP6MHCDX1gsTH7-xa6ecK3imcyjuggA4obtw1ILylytwDK_M9dQJYSeluZFhH1EVIf63OJyE07gaVU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2875" data-original-width="3663" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN_ZkfMVTam8L7P06GdVsMlzq4dXZHfcPp2PuR_kWqX1X0XziegHp0Be46xsb-ZPNtoJauP6wWwXNL4yACAM8k_uMVk6_FCgtM9d60qK5sNQMJNKP6MHCDX1gsTH7-xa6ecK3imcyjuggA4obtw1ILylytwDK_M9dQJYSeluZFhH1EVIf63OJyE07gaVU=w640-h502" width="640" /></a></div>Really I can see they aren't much, but in a few years I will only care that I caught the action! One afternoon as we were driving home and talking to Bill on the phone, we saw a big bunch of deer, and then another group, followed by a turkey crossing the road. Bill was loving it.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiykYDPowvCkrNXeD63rAX1co5sgdi4p4SJgBiUZfU6YIEf3O4hVdPBG-Jm4gtKDU81oY5M1jeorYKdbgjQw6Y_vBITq36UFVgbpMgyqchj8vczwuG1kgGbDyaOyjwb67pK-NMkcaOYBUxq5PHqb9uU5F4fZomG46u3WHO39Mli2eO4fhj3ZTGiTVlBZnk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiykYDPowvCkrNXeD63rAX1co5sgdi4p4SJgBiUZfU6YIEf3O4hVdPBG-Jm4gtKDU81oY5M1jeorYKdbgjQw6Y_vBITq36UFVgbpMgyqchj8vczwuG1kgGbDyaOyjwb67pK-NMkcaOYBUxq5PHqb9uU5F4fZomG46u3WHO39Mli2eO4fhj3ZTGiTVlBZnk=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div>Rain has been plentiful and the creeks are rising. This is one that runs a long distance along one side of the property. I headed into the woods to get a good look.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja72-_Iy2DRitvDGY2dvtn8ZJXF6ROnyUVdhnhLFImFXY3zIacRYQ7VjyBnefrYlkH4va8jx3NYXs0vGpfvbv5muZCxSgR39GSjJwrC-Abj3nWvmqGiG_d0no_oTReBhOsxEVg55yLR2wnyXwPeRVg3AbPIwPDr40MAEEfZ1EuWBviB5gSlttrU80jSgA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja72-_Iy2DRitvDGY2dvtn8ZJXF6ROnyUVdhnhLFImFXY3zIacRYQ7VjyBnefrYlkH4va8jx3NYXs0vGpfvbv5muZCxSgR39GSjJwrC-Abj3nWvmqGiG_d0no_oTReBhOsxEVg55yLR2wnyXwPeRVg3AbPIwPDr40MAEEfZ1EuWBviB5gSlttrU80jSgA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>I always take a walking stick because the fallen leaves, when wet, can be very slippery indeed! <p></p><p>One low note I am slipping in here is that one reason I am out of shape is because day after day the courts have looked like this.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8bVZC4siwtD0Mx-SBaE2PdF7K9FfWaA1cg--ASIrmKasQqGZKdxjGTy1hN19244Kime0byvYsZfln0cNg2ylYzyTVJUJAK4LSK1cZwTcewsSOQF8KdUw2FGQOUfUJLoDFL6arIUaKRDKWz0SOFAnJy38ZskanyK80v3S-JozXIpX_mHQMces4LSvIMWY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8bVZC4siwtD0Mx-SBaE2PdF7K9FfWaA1cg--ASIrmKasQqGZKdxjGTy1hN19244Kime0byvYsZfln0cNg2ylYzyTVJUJAK4LSK1cZwTcewsSOQF8KdUw2FGQOUfUJLoDFL6arIUaKRDKWz0SOFAnJy38ZskanyK80v3S-JozXIpX_mHQMces4LSvIMWY=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>So it has not been the cold that, as I'd imagined say back in say September, but rain that has kept us from playing as often as is our norm . This morning Bruce went, in spite of last night's rain, and it must have been dried off because he has not returned. We did practice Monday afternoon once the sun came out and that is when I discovered that it was going to take some time for me to be back in playing shape! <p></p><p>Aside from all of the above, another high note is that we have gone on two field trips in a row! The first was a scenic drive to nearby Young Harris, GA. That's one thing about our location, two other states are so very close! The drive is alongside a rushing river on winding roads, alongside fields,</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOEsiAQDS3popUupg6As0MyT1n-ZHmlsQmcY8nxc_4aCTo37_VvVYeWgkCSoNe_cSW880yaaMvemU0gTsxe8OUedwCTWq951xeGVuFFdqUQ49PQ92eMx-SvhsRSpwLQfbVNDGfkTc6MBttCsWAHVE5i_mSow-X2x_1YDuwpt_E47x0ixCu4TRa33ejg6c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="3702" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOEsiAQDS3popUupg6As0MyT1n-ZHmlsQmcY8nxc_4aCTo37_VvVYeWgkCSoNe_cSW880yaaMvemU0gTsxe8OUedwCTWq951xeGVuFFdqUQ49PQ92eMx-SvhsRSpwLQfbVNDGfkTc6MBttCsWAHVE5i_mSow-X2x_1YDuwpt_E47x0ixCu4TRa33ejg6c=w640-h492" width="640" /></a></div>AND with a view of the snow-capped mountains!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjP3gdRp0Vf3IA55v_ZOViVn6CATH0tYECLmY4iJsLPndg6yxCpH8e6LI9QhQ3EnXs1DJbYrklYkwNOucdsRh9w8GUrz0s98kwF1T3Jub5o1YQ9226aNr5R5ry8QvNExfLq3e9ayTE11j8uItmpETb9qnSSIBHdLSrJqYDMnKcSa1Wmu7gizwgYuEBKaCI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjP3gdRp0Vf3IA55v_ZOViVn6CATH0tYECLmY4iJsLPndg6yxCpH8e6LI9QhQ3EnXs1DJbYrklYkwNOucdsRh9w8GUrz0s98kwF1T3Jub5o1YQ9226aNr5R5ry8QvNExfLq3e9ayTE11j8uItmpETb9qnSSIBHdLSrJqYDMnKcSa1Wmu7gizwgYuEBKaCI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div> Our destination was the easily found Cupid Falls that are situated adjacent to the road just down the way from the college.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsgWIuJaRFGuiHBCTLS7MvCvc_hSXfDZjFWe3HF7Q_PnA1RLo0-QDjm3SQ_mCrOaTkYKu8MnbCO7XFcemrSzV1yW6EtYyLpcg0tjMuQGzbKLIe9Wx7ouyfk7qwHOvikbGPIsH-RXifSA85AX5aFcP3gGckrbW9joGvfSv0_ubPRy7pokhPYh43w9WG6zM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsgWIuJaRFGuiHBCTLS7MvCvc_hSXfDZjFWe3HF7Q_PnA1RLo0-QDjm3SQ_mCrOaTkYKu8MnbCO7XFcemrSzV1yW6EtYyLpcg0tjMuQGzbKLIe9Wx7ouyfk7qwHOvikbGPIsH-RXifSA85AX5aFcP3gGckrbW9joGvfSv0_ubPRy7pokhPYh43w9WG6zM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Young Harris College is a very small liberal arts college founded decades ago by the Methodist church. Basically, you follow the street we are facing, rounding the corner and down a little ways and you come across a beautiful park with the rushing falls.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKXTdHJ88i9fMj1mgEoQiJNntvUgFyxLsdBnQKermxf8ewsJHrF0uGtGYdO_-Wzpu8PpcK8dTiq70dj68Xofl8iabAoXylix7dJPW6mF8Ga308RoE2avxv_YzZpBDnuRrcV-g7n8m7pQINIJ92p5WWVkRqsWGu4yzcJTr-LZCPyO349T2TvkAeULkAo9k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKXTdHJ88i9fMj1mgEoQiJNntvUgFyxLsdBnQKermxf8ewsJHrF0uGtGYdO_-Wzpu8PpcK8dTiq70dj68Xofl8iabAoXylix7dJPW6mF8Ga308RoE2avxv_YzZpBDnuRrcV-g7n8m7pQINIJ92p5WWVkRqsWGu4yzcJTr-LZCPyO349T2TvkAeULkAo9k=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Seriously who doesn't love waterfalls? Especially when there is no strenuous hike involved. Sign me up!<p></p><p>More snow on the mountains from last week when it was quite cold. This week is starting off not nearly as frigid. In fact, most days it will be in the 50's which is nearly a twenty degree swing. Either way, I am good. Bruce is learning to layer. :)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmKJDtvBqsv34Bk5B859y7bxMd7OHM3zViddl1Gcky4A6qmgw75jmYR_moloezoGjHe0YxDtn39aoTzOUS5nkAeQIkOoc90OkVaHnMtUMGuu0tq-xgydUzQ5XHwT9IxcnO9d1vwUkRxH10jArGzfYXJRxXFDgdtlNkOxnL8dsDjmc1mrQHm6IrmRCXm9M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmKJDtvBqsv34Bk5B859y7bxMd7OHM3zViddl1Gcky4A6qmgw75jmYR_moloezoGjHe0YxDtn39aoTzOUS5nkAeQIkOoc90OkVaHnMtUMGuu0tq-xgydUzQ5XHwT9IxcnO9d1vwUkRxH10jArGzfYXJRxXFDgdtlNkOxnL8dsDjmc1mrQHm6IrmRCXm9M" width="640" /></a></div>A little ways down from where the falls are, we came across something unexpected. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjav3K6rR2qs0tdePBPOHSZUjbIC_G1bujFOp8-wMcd7RmKZ2gguTgpoaXre4ZX4ZvaYP4ds0mn3FL5kCdGKdOvLMsssY6nPq8eLClJJi_rq2IuJqfmZiPE45gG9C-jtd4jrHToQF8vLoAJUdlBKFpu7CpJOzvHx11y-9GFdE9YCY21j_El5_Uvk05sq4U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjav3K6rR2qs0tdePBPOHSZUjbIC_G1bujFOp8-wMcd7RmKZ2gguTgpoaXre4ZX4ZvaYP4ds0mn3FL5kCdGKdOvLMsssY6nPq8eLClJJi_rq2IuJqfmZiPE45gG9C-jtd4jrHToQF8vLoAJUdlBKFpu7CpJOzvHx11y-9GFdE9YCY21j_El5_Uvk05sq4U" width="640" /></a></div>Isn't that the fun of exploring? You just never know what you will come across.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGB5EMxSF0FCUo-MQG5qQmayoQZtNLlqkHn0ggqkelAfMROZTqqZ-92KJO5GNsQpKahC7f5h7ud7U3GHsPyPKnJ0H7kyNOsmv5OBy7RBN6mX3kG1CBPDmebswNPeSHCSVdoKcN_r8XRLAgcPT15CtBj1MQ0RYPuwjvanKH9VHu2LAKo3UKoLi1xtjg0aQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3254" data-original-width="4339" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGB5EMxSF0FCUo-MQG5qQmayoQZtNLlqkHn0ggqkelAfMROZTqqZ-92KJO5GNsQpKahC7f5h7ud7U3GHsPyPKnJ0H7kyNOsmv5OBy7RBN6mX3kG1CBPDmebswNPeSHCSVdoKcN_r8XRLAgcPT15CtBj1MQ0RYPuwjvanKH9VHu2LAKo3UKoLi1xtjg0aQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Here's looking at you kid!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjO4_gxHCupnhkKL1VFKFUoVu7kqNvh07rXXV7iuIFdJehMDwnRKp5ko_FDZl3YREUp6sIJH0ZQB0-Ce30sH9o6D-Hm8dfPbNM7cYBk3mtCYzWMo35uhnOU4yStVkxzJt9i8sQpu9u53Ki0ofMa4d02naXSrSU_IDcljzWdCf1SA4_9JsNZ12XRyWHp8m4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjO4_gxHCupnhkKL1VFKFUoVu7kqNvh07rXXV7iuIFdJehMDwnRKp5ko_FDZl3YREUp6sIJH0ZQB0-Ce30sH9o6D-Hm8dfPbNM7cYBk3mtCYzWMo35uhnOU4yStVkxzJt9i8sQpu9u53Ki0ofMa4d02naXSrSU_IDcljzWdCf1SA4_9JsNZ12XRyWHp8m4=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div>Here's looking at you kid, part two.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZBsHhpucHSYOrUCN9WZ3BHa_DsL-nSIRWgZDMtrYHL09tr78Mb3iHsgyKW5r6kEWl_vR2eNSexgo0AwArGkuIV71LiudVSyVWfTTxYFbmWLwwzhktsJ1C_8ijV5N9Bmt-RmU74RcEyME5V7nQNdsSm1ZP8sfQvczQmkqy7SIvsMZt8ECwNtPp9C_f5tw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZBsHhpucHSYOrUCN9WZ3BHa_DsL-nSIRWgZDMtrYHL09tr78Mb3iHsgyKW5r6kEWl_vR2eNSexgo0AwArGkuIV71LiudVSyVWfTTxYFbmWLwwzhktsJ1C_8ijV5N9Bmt-RmU74RcEyME5V7nQNdsSm1ZP8sfQvczQmkqy7SIvsMZt8ECwNtPp9C_f5tw=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div>Nearing the finish line folks, but not before showing off another exciting find. As we were driving back through the campus I saw a tree and asked Bruce to turn around. He is so great about that, in part because he is such a great husband, and in part because he is so used to it. As everyone knows lighting is key to great photographs and although I would like to have great lighting all of the time, it really is rarely the case. Either the light is too bright or there is not nearly enough as was the case with this scene.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi10rr-wF0HIixANPktF47NGYkI3No296URbU7ScKmets0oFeeKPnhtD53tbhZMH6FlA_Z01m22UARPEF6pSxJW1canshekpoIe_FyRIsUiLurgvfEWoURQrI9Ha-7CzKQiQPj6mdCdZzTLrIierZsuBYuNyUIyS3xHkvArF02J9woShkjc1SmlbMWxsCk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi10rr-wF0HIixANPktF47NGYkI3No296URbU7ScKmets0oFeeKPnhtD53tbhZMH6FlA_Z01m22UARPEF6pSxJW1canshekpoIe_FyRIsUiLurgvfEWoURQrI9Ha-7CzKQiQPj6mdCdZzTLrIierZsuBYuNyUIyS3xHkvArF02J9woShkjc1SmlbMWxsCk=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Thank goodness for the exposure compensation feature on my camera. It allows me to add more or less to the exposure. No doubt you can guess which way I went to get this shot of a tree full of Cedar Waxwings.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT1XMUfqpsZPe9yq275khgTYyI18SYBvkQ--JIOYvj_InJ9Erf3YBTjjKoEmMFQ0vcRZQtmovyhlM1MzxXpLxGxMbsPG9FDP4Qm57upyPeKChZLUOhR21TIvExpIf8BXoKL35wYC2zTWT91KLC2C6RTfRnV5CRcrML4cJJ8IBNkBSTgCUkminEb6TwInE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT1XMUfqpsZPe9yq275khgTYyI18SYBvkQ--JIOYvj_InJ9Erf3YBTjjKoEmMFQ0vcRZQtmovyhlM1MzxXpLxGxMbsPG9FDP4Qm57upyPeKChZLUOhR21TIvExpIf8BXoKL35wYC2zTWT91KLC2C6RTfRnV5CRcrML4cJJ8IBNkBSTgCUkminEb6TwInE=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>To say that I was excited is putting it mildly.<p></p><p>Well dear readers, I have saved the low note for last. It won't surprise you in the least to learn that I have hurt myself once again. It happened yesterday afternoon during what was another exciting field trip and honestly I was so lucky because it could have been so much worse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiX2NIApl1SzBvEHwAhjzDTTxrZYBtrDsRDGelHHB_Vwdx_maimsaypb6SC5tF90LnMeJ8z1hQAmjdX2HhxaaNF1ItOx4y6c9qkPm2IaLZ_Q1WBl1AEf00GG5Nd9N_Jk1CnuzTFXexjR-vvoi49WhASk_EH_vtjekXITWPUuAvezwGxmC7O4AMJCWooiuY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiX2NIApl1SzBvEHwAhjzDTTxrZYBtrDsRDGelHHB_Vwdx_maimsaypb6SC5tF90LnMeJ8z1hQAmjdX2HhxaaNF1ItOx4y6c9qkPm2IaLZ_Q1WBl1AEf00GG5Nd9N_Jk1CnuzTFXexjR-vvoi49WhASk_EH_vtjekXITWPUuAvezwGxmC7O4AMJCWooiuY=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>You might say to yourself, not again Gail, and I would respond, yes again! There is a reason injuries are called accidents because oftentimes they are inexplicable. How in the name of heavens I could have shut the car door on my thumb is just that, inexplicable. How I had the wherewithal to then open said door is also a mystery, but somehow I did. It hurt so darn bad. The back side is not great either. One reason I did not accompany Bruce to the courts today is not only the possibility of the a wet court, but the even worse possibility that I might get hit on my thumb. Getting hit on one of your digits is really painful any day of the week but when one is injured and cold, even this goofy lady is not signing up for that! <p></p><p>I am so glad that I was able to type and write this love letter to life. So while January had some low notes, the highs most definitely outweighed them. What, pray tell, will February bring?</p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail<br /></p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-12034468346126839962024-01-25T13:05:00.004-05:002024-01-25T13:05:53.742-05:00A Frosty Walk<p>We were meant to go on a field trip today however, the weather is abysmal, so we are staying in until we head to Cobby and Diane's house for dinner this evening. Although it is not cold, only 60 degrees or so, it is rainy, foggy, and dark as I type this just before noon time. Because I generally get so far behind in posting I thought to myself, "let's write a blog post today in an attempt to stay more current."</p><p>Onward... </p><p>Here's something super fun to report: if you read <a href="https://gpeck.blogspot.com/2024/01/january-continues-its-cold-ways.html">my last post</a>, because it was only a few days ago, perhaps you remember that I closed the essay with the idea that maybe our luck was turning as far as visits from Northern Cardinals. Lo and behold, leaving the bedroom where my computer is located, I walked into the living room and headed right to the window as is my wont. Lookee what I saw!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRyINuzP6JQuTyM-DnftlbY4OMAF0R5g1QVsYSuAT27lZpo-5CAy8hS6AvZaKO9vCvMTTU-JGb8u3oHBv8KbNtpe4gAwK_GyDgQFH8959Pi-aN6taBCZ-UuSxp_q7AV6itZgdWZ6o4kMGhZ7hOXizA2exz2vfRypTVbjRnqaORl7scYQRVjH7flKCQHaQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRyINuzP6JQuTyM-DnftlbY4OMAF0R5g1QVsYSuAT27lZpo-5CAy8hS6AvZaKO9vCvMTTU-JGb8u3oHBv8KbNtpe4gAwK_GyDgQFH8959Pi-aN6taBCZ-UuSxp_q7AV6itZgdWZ6o4kMGhZ7hOXizA2exz2vfRypTVbjRnqaORl7scYQRVjH7flKCQHaQ=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div>What you might also notice is the sea of sunflower seeds upon which Mrs. Cardinal rests her tiny feet. The area no longer looks like that because Mr. Peck did some raking yesterday afternoon to tidy the area as best as one can when one is feeding thirty or more birds at a time! <p></p><p>Yesterday afternoon's walk was dreary but I didn't mind because I always see interesting things no matter the weather. But that was yesterday and what I am going to put down for posterity is a walk on a much, much colder day! </p><p>Everything I see is a novelty including the frost on the plants and in this case is it really frost, or big ice crystals?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWc2nDnFmGIoiPvuk8LK4R1jy1zPf0nfVPrMQF0lRleP9DRWCWTchTzlraHRT3jbAE6-syy2ygeTWh5nJSbF79ex58ZfJDs_Q6vr4RChU8LibbezrUVyiHNJ5pJ0M6e--x16Em8cETe0JRH_k_rNbdh7W55J7M10UGgXPquyb9D7VIq87tOR1J2XdYtmQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWc2nDnFmGIoiPvuk8LK4R1jy1zPf0nfVPrMQF0lRleP9DRWCWTchTzlraHRT3jbAE6-syy2ygeTWh5nJSbF79ex58ZfJDs_Q6vr4RChU8LibbezrUVyiHNJ5pJ0M6e--x16Em8cETe0JRH_k_rNbdh7W55J7M10UGgXPquyb9D7VIq87tOR1J2XdYtmQ" width="640" /></a></div>Frankly I have no idea what to call it, but I know I can't call it Kosher salt even though it looks just like it!<p></p><p>During the summer when the river water is deep it is not that appealing to me because it looks almost dirty. Well, that notion has been dispelled during the winter when they lower the level and it is clear to see, (no pun intended) that the water is indeed, crystal clear.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIWCN2ybbat4DhrWHD6fl5ZDGk_DXOAB6Yea4SrCaZMSfkqN5GQBegMd_UDkHQdpK2xNdy-PvPpsIu9uk_PskX1rjP49PIlJE-UeitWN4UJH2xEQXGzStoFKcsTuUnYkaEV3ZW40zbTqMrKYHmr_2NDwbQ_mOxftaZq9va7-5d8ncdrFIh-pbY7oV6zmI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIWCN2ybbat4DhrWHD6fl5ZDGk_DXOAB6Yea4SrCaZMSfkqN5GQBegMd_UDkHQdpK2xNdy-PvPpsIu9uk_PskX1rjP49PIlJE-UeitWN4UJH2xEQXGzStoFKcsTuUnYkaEV3ZW40zbTqMrKYHmr_2NDwbQ_mOxftaZq9va7-5d8ncdrFIh-pbY7oV6zmI" width="640" /></a></div>One of the days last week the temperature remained freezing or below, so maybe it shouldn't have, but when I walked it still surprised me to see the ice in various places on the river. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi88kRJwKB4ifByzcp9lwSvkI_zfk5L9_aXEL23GbnwxgxC4EBEW8HDo7ki34L7lqJB8bKy187ZMNqGVpI_C8TlohUNUtm31bvAkcTOVMHdNcZZmdAvk4A6wxTCbxvQooe3k5eTU_JQlA2Jz4T05adKRqWCK2Hio0koL8cVsnhicGNE2k3zE9uAJ2WS0X8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi88kRJwKB4ifByzcp9lwSvkI_zfk5L9_aXEL23GbnwxgxC4EBEW8HDo7ki34L7lqJB8bKy187ZMNqGVpI_C8TlohUNUtm31bvAkcTOVMHdNcZZmdAvk4A6wxTCbxvQooe3k5eTU_JQlA2Jz4T05adKRqWCK2Hio0koL8cVsnhicGNE2k3zE9uAJ2WS0X8=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Isn't the rock formation cool? I wish I'd paid more attention in my Historical Geology class at Valencia and I would have at least a vague idea of what I am looking at! Oh how I hated that class! Without the help of my classmates, some 30 or more years my junior, I would have never survived it.<p></p><p>I decided that cold day to head over to where I was lucky enough to see the bluebird couple several weeks ago. Let's look at them again from that fateful day because I sure have not seen them again! That's the thing about all of my bird photographs, they are unique even if the same type of bird is pictured. Anyway, remember these cuties?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkjX3ryX4354lR3d8W45yrIgSK-QrfLv7taKlwqAoAc8G1nBlNZBxvV2Xzuvb2d87wA9yUlyzmby-4bngkChU43aBN4sdXxDZIdyNvMgv86H-QNND15e7-qTLsS2wGS2H8HfylyCuK8_K1TokneGf6_ZVWHsmp-D327yO9SJt58r0hRG_vgInM1frwVA8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkjX3ryX4354lR3d8W45yrIgSK-QrfLv7taKlwqAoAc8G1nBlNZBxvV2Xzuvb2d87wA9yUlyzmby-4bngkChU43aBN4sdXxDZIdyNvMgv86H-QNND15e7-qTLsS2wGS2H8HfylyCuK8_K1TokneGf6_ZVWHsmp-D327yO9SJt58r0hRG_vgInM1frwVA8" width="639" /></a></div>Missing in action folks, missing in action. Much to my sorrow I might add! <p></p><p>So because I went a different route the river was different on this stretch where it is still the Valley River as it heads to join up with the Hiwassee River.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZPRXKkSLqX8vetcmd0BvdpKxrGYBvx_REcP8f6gXQcQ214gM9uDfRu64galmqNDYgaR1DI4nHeA2N3a8Sffe8WAAzdeHjjd5KtPwh1vlm2lKHMoy2ptpv3n8fxq5-pAhK7EenvyBks8y6nl958dAoZAB1iO1NZ5bF3TJ6DQ6mxjs2LkxvukC09sGOpes" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3102" data-original-width="4136" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZPRXKkSLqX8vetcmd0BvdpKxrGYBvx_REcP8f6gXQcQ214gM9uDfRu64galmqNDYgaR1DI4nHeA2N3a8Sffe8WAAzdeHjjd5KtPwh1vlm2lKHMoy2ptpv3n8fxq5-pAhK7EenvyBks8y6nl958dAoZAB1iO1NZ5bF3TJ6DQ6mxjs2LkxvukC09sGOpes=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Looking at these photos is a balm for this ugly day! There was even a mini ice chunk? That doesn't sound right but what else can I call it?<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1XdfqJpWDcgjqSTzKagNTSMPvadpJPEglLc_9z-c0VCKWlHSTkoJpTc_tjOGxwRaILC4ET25fXd8qLyYE_gUexLQk9uu_NSBjOAuSysY4EI29nrNgOxdJ4LXVK9XnHEPqlf0m7wn8hBsCVdcOaexx5oRs_DWItVMTYrkG6lIOIQNfFAFBkUwOWlCPMCc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1XdfqJpWDcgjqSTzKagNTSMPvadpJPEglLc_9z-c0VCKWlHSTkoJpTc_tjOGxwRaILC4ET25fXd8qLyYE_gUexLQk9uu_NSBjOAuSysY4EI29nrNgOxdJ4LXVK9XnHEPqlf0m7wn8hBsCVdcOaexx5oRs_DWItVMTYrkG6lIOIQNfFAFBkUwOWlCPMCc=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Plus the water color was so pretty that day, almost an emerald green. Oh the joy of nature!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLTgni66jAQfSCLnTJsJy66tUD3Ua6FJpIC-QevBT7i8NXZ0WbuHqtj2WT-03XYptylLqKP_MVW1y2SC3zKPY5fa8lnm2X0em4Y9gMZYK9DeyNlH6H9ttTvQB6Xm8XmInhUUzcBP5bG7y0ZGEyTz2V0AD4YguBPqu3jKsOzlVwq7W2JcSvGrDYjAM92GM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLTgni66jAQfSCLnTJsJy66tUD3Ua6FJpIC-QevBT7i8NXZ0WbuHqtj2WT-03XYptylLqKP_MVW1y2SC3zKPY5fa8lnm2X0em4Y9gMZYK9DeyNlH6H9ttTvQB6Xm8XmInhUUzcBP5bG7y0ZGEyTz2V0AD4YguBPqu3jKsOzlVwq7W2JcSvGrDYjAM92GM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Like shattered glass! Another day, maybe the next, I walked on the other side of the river and came across this:<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtVlCSR3OuIRrlQ9BAFZhmIDMKqJr13zQrzUIesxqkM0gzrqCL9-t8RM2RC65QFARZ3T06LQl91mfSG_WvG39M5z8E4ulQG9W0AGriJlNpX5ISRJ4hgFCD7o4dK-o26iLgfhTchjCOG67e68K4V6D1uIIr4LfGsMx9ohCKEGklLQd4WpG_LROwdKOSPo8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtVlCSR3OuIRrlQ9BAFZhmIDMKqJr13zQrzUIesxqkM0gzrqCL9-t8RM2RC65QFARZ3T06LQl91mfSG_WvG39M5z8E4ulQG9W0AGriJlNpX5ISRJ4hgFCD7o4dK-o26iLgfhTchjCOG67e68K4V6D1uIIr4LfGsMx9ohCKEGklLQd4WpG_LROwdKOSPo8=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I can't tell you how much I like the cold and sunny days! Layer, layer, layer is how we roll around here.<p></p><p>I found this really fascinating. What is this?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjp8Ia4LV-UJjANLMlg7TAR7ZXPVXkfaTM5ecNv-gZJoSClrE4o0N542t6rYjU0Ba8VIdne-9sq-S3G40XLOuaOc3c9Qt0oFz3jYYKK5PgIt_RP8RjaUAUt7BWV-51Xro4YrV2Tvi70EW8VHUZAh3iK5ltdPWdJa6IXo679WhbbW4DapEzjZmDNaTmsO7g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjp8Ia4LV-UJjANLMlg7TAR7ZXPVXkfaTM5ecNv-gZJoSClrE4o0N542t6rYjU0Ba8VIdne-9sq-S3G40XLOuaOc3c9Qt0oFz3jYYKK5PgIt_RP8RjaUAUt7BWV-51Xro4YrV2Tvi70EW8VHUZAh3iK5ltdPWdJa6IXo679WhbbW4DapEzjZmDNaTmsO7g=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Northern friends, do chime in please!<p></p><p>Generally when I sit down to write a post I scan through my recent photos and put together a remembrance of life as we have lived it. I drag the photos to my desktop and then construct the narrative around them. As I type this post there are about thirty on the desktop that for whatever reason have not made it into the blog. One such photo is from when we drove home from Asheville in December and just past Franklin you come across a great scene with rocks on either side of the road. Here is the one I took that day.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiygpPL0JG59K6gkUI8do8ZZqEjuqndpNOuWEw94h3hL7j_c-9Awje_ePp5OTX39xCt1cg_31LgEvKSEobYyI4keqwNX1_9pwl-HDvnxOYV53EbnkLU8OSt6w1awu9d5bh_U6dfQ8l2w3l3tgxQqyc1zducybCHd1UZyh0nDP1K9R3yaHrZ0pA417K4Y1s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiygpPL0JG59K6gkUI8do8ZZqEjuqndpNOuWEw94h3hL7j_c-9Awje_ePp5OTX39xCt1cg_31LgEvKSEobYyI4keqwNX1_9pwl-HDvnxOYV53EbnkLU8OSt6w1awu9d5bh_U6dfQ8l2w3l3tgxQqyc1zducybCHd1UZyh0nDP1K9R3yaHrZ0pA417K4Y1s=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>There are pictures floating around on Facebook of this scene last week, after the big snow and that ice is amazing! And now I can get at least one more photo off the desktop!<p></p><p>Another thing I am really liking about winter is the dried plant material. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGwJHzAIT-zH9O_YtS4XGjzzArhcMZvX6TPXhBm_Btbclgn46s3uoAskmKpDTCEVijAN0_wDtjFNdqZREgQi-EoS1ISYUldwKVRI8_guDVct-V3NOZUYcGxXExrUw0-xU8BBW8VR4Y5Kxb9FLWaWYiM84CK1_3HshHNAKYjjFg6OAdcIsl7zhU1IlX7hI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGwJHzAIT-zH9O_YtS4XGjzzArhcMZvX6TPXhBm_Btbclgn46s3uoAskmKpDTCEVijAN0_wDtjFNdqZREgQi-EoS1ISYUldwKVRI8_guDVct-V3NOZUYcGxXExrUw0-xU8BBW8VR4Y5Kxb9FLWaWYiM84CK1_3HshHNAKYjjFg6OAdcIsl7zhU1IlX7hI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>And to think that this will all be replaced by new tiny flowers in two months or so! For the curious, this is not sepia, it is the actual colors that I found.<p></p><p>It is a wondrous thing that I can take these frosty walks. It is also fun to go somewhere in the car and on Saturday we went to Hayesville and enjoyed lunch at Black Dog Tavern. It won't surprise you to learn that we sat at the bar and the folks to our left were from Florida! Actually that is a little surprising as most Floridians have headed home. During the summer in the parking lots every other car has a Florida license plate but now ours is an anomaly. Two autumns ago, on our way from Helen to Murphy for the first time we stopped there for lunch and I remembered it being very tasty. Saturday did not disappoint. The best onion rings Bruce can remember having for a long while and enough for two more servings at home!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXLF4l1ywYkahLebkr_UGju2alUJYUk7eBm8mogQn1M-R2CsWWYpeoSL1k7_RaN_Vww8yI0_IjUrki7vPaAswXAlhUKHUEAZhapDm1AZpCQ1RKyscuipPmyvrDFEY4tDXYVDkywo_bB9Q1U4L_BhiHvpW-irlCCnPsCmIBpOSEUTsqq_61eOeLe3yBw0M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXLF4l1ywYkahLebkr_UGju2alUJYUk7eBm8mogQn1M-R2CsWWYpeoSL1k7_RaN_Vww8yI0_IjUrki7vPaAswXAlhUKHUEAZhapDm1AZpCQ1RKyscuipPmyvrDFEY4tDXYVDkywo_bB9Q1U4L_BhiHvpW-irlCCnPsCmIBpOSEUTsqq_61eOeLe3yBw0M" width="640" /></a></div>I had an excellent chili along with something they call Cowboy bites. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4wHx-HDbxGxBDAcMgUWRzTU2xTZwACFPvBMDkIgPBrsYZFsuvaZbPSCTGzh0YMiYBZIDulg1wVGkfQPFgVrA0DvogCGe73EePabXS__61MBLoEhKwlXqOH_NHdzqj2IY7EvH3L9FTibdTWRvGORVop8MD6BOf3xBjJPwIj8-4F_4wnVvpGgFeIiDuMSE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4wHx-HDbxGxBDAcMgUWRzTU2xTZwACFPvBMDkIgPBrsYZFsuvaZbPSCTGzh0YMiYBZIDulg1wVGkfQPFgVrA0DvogCGe73EePabXS__61MBLoEhKwlXqOH_NHdzqj2IY7EvH3L9FTibdTWRvGORVop8MD6BOf3xBjJPwIj8-4F_4wnVvpGgFeIiDuMSE" width="640" /></a></div>Has anyone else noticed how expensive it is to get onion rings in a restaurant lately? Bruce is a fan so we pay attention and what we noticed here is that they were reasonable for what they served! On our way back to Murphy, Bruce pulled into the driveway off the highway in order for me to finally get a shot of the decorated barn we have only seen before as we zoomed by.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM1YJqiZFPzHqkpDVB-K3EKk1zw5VCiEIJ94D0Cn413fPqwFotwSwLWrCEui-P90wmEKPmw0UKtX3x8vx8Bq4YUyaRGKz4P6sdc_kdYQO5l7Hjk3WBJJCGj1GQhW9bG-sY5i1oy4eUg0whxsBwIC9vJE4eUbZfen8n92ciT4PeKE7o0khObFRWHahI2Ac" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM1YJqiZFPzHqkpDVB-K3EKk1zw5VCiEIJ94D0Cn413fPqwFotwSwLWrCEui-P90wmEKPmw0UKtX3x8vx8Bq4YUyaRGKz4P6sdc_kdYQO5l7Hjk3WBJJCGj1GQhW9bG-sY5i1oy4eUg0whxsBwIC9vJE4eUbZfen8n92ciT4PeKE7o0khObFRWHahI2Ac=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Perhaps we can do the same when the leaves turn impossibly green again. Here's a reminder of green trees that has also been on my desktop for ages. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyfCL8TCyTAymHWtSOjQXV_QDnqiiAgu-ZoxHtsndF2tN7J1OcuqkcF--oGTUJrvFRqv2wl4EHSOYrgqAI_i9lSDHhWlOq6ZQeQBqqi_0iSM164pXQOv7uSHodZB586Y7GH64MQ_3xzOyXHP8doZKIqz97Su5y_1sF6rBhsXMN8XziJvqz-kXYo3N3lG8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyfCL8TCyTAymHWtSOjQXV_QDnqiiAgu-ZoxHtsndF2tN7J1OcuqkcF--oGTUJrvFRqv2wl4EHSOYrgqAI_i9lSDHhWlOq6ZQeQBqqi_0iSM164pXQOv7uSHodZB586Y7GH64MQ_3xzOyXHP8doZKIqz97Su5y_1sF6rBhsXMN8XziJvqz-kXYo3N3lG8=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Talk about miracles! Oh my gosh! The photos are tiny for my old eyes, so I really had no idea what I was dragging over, but man am I glad this was the one! I remember nearly gasping at the sight of this beauty. Impossibly green indeed!<p></p><p>Why we chose to not go to the Andrews chili contest is a mystery but we did not want to miss a bluegrass band at the newly opened Cherokee Cellars owned by two former Murphy Bulldogs who have prospered. Should you have forgotten, the Bulldogs are the mascot of Murphy High School!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBypxuxY9bLwMRdNZt8UBdNVrwxzag3M_wkoWaDgm8YptPN8dlsNOB8H_O_G2Z0NJynF8qtbT2i2mgSxlYMePSflfVVliAem573OZse_pjRAnuhb6uHVEI6m6Z5zRzhP5ChgIuQRg-VKGbM1z6K6bjCfAjyAhXNTK6baJl2JRX0HVmb7TDW7u67_h_dZo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBypxuxY9bLwMRdNZt8UBdNVrwxzag3M_wkoWaDgm8YptPN8dlsNOB8H_O_G2Z0NJynF8qtbT2i2mgSxlYMePSflfVVliAem573OZse_pjRAnuhb6uHVEI6m6Z5zRzhP5ChgIuQRg-VKGbM1z6K6bjCfAjyAhXNTK6baJl2JRX0HVmb7TDW7u67_h_dZo=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>The band drove over from Asheville and were very entertaining indeed.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV7VluTBb45_oiU8_VQeDgqfUKgRzHItvjH-1U5VriOHJt4X6YTIHahfKjMHtMtUr7GW1c49wGmToD3sW7fMl8sk4l4gKgfO3fHnL2u-IvgCrryp_Q-fKYnBCci3GjQ7IR_1OwR9vLZHefna1JgOIWy71Q56AVzq0TUuUx0Ef0CPpWOb4wHOffcCzP1ak" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV7VluTBb45_oiU8_VQeDgqfUKgRzHItvjH-1U5VriOHJt4X6YTIHahfKjMHtMtUr7GW1c49wGmToD3sW7fMl8sk4l4gKgfO3fHnL2u-IvgCrryp_Q-fKYnBCci3GjQ7IR_1OwR9vLZHefna1JgOIWy71Q56AVzq0TUuUx0Ef0CPpWOb4wHOffcCzP1ak=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>Unrelated to any of the above, I do have good news to report about David and his blood clot. After months and months now, it seems to have finally resolved so we are all breathing a sigh of relief. <p></p><p>Other good news is that the check finally arrived on day seven. Good grief what a hassle. Here is something ironic in this whole saga. I sent Nancy a check the day to pay for her costs after she sent our package. You know, regular mail for .68 cents? Guess who got their mail first? Should you have guessed Nancy, you are a smart cookie indeed.</p><p>In keeping with the frosty theme, last week this made me very happy. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU4Ae3FAeq3GsS4gFhhlj9F8K4cTzCyhJ37LsNP2OzJYIC7Qp0bDCrHWEa_SOFdU3HFjHNq1QVcBOCemFvyXUjVLxJBpCpY_B8xYoHYZmuZUQrSCNGDZsx2K8mX-4ui3caLMzDvvBez5fxugCCrenVdJP03ZH73Z4jeDbZ6HWVzs_R9GPMo97JELg4gw8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU4Ae3FAeq3GsS4gFhhlj9F8K4cTzCyhJ37LsNP2OzJYIC7Qp0bDCrHWEa_SOFdU3HFjHNq1QVcBOCemFvyXUjVLxJBpCpY_B8xYoHYZmuZUQrSCNGDZsx2K8mX-4ui3caLMzDvvBez5fxugCCrenVdJP03ZH73Z4jeDbZ6HWVzs_R9GPMo97JELg4gw8" width="640" /></a></div>Now if only we could get more snow!<p></p><p>Thank goodness for great shows on PBS! We just finished a six part series called <a href="https://www.pbs.org/show/funny-woman/">Funny Woman</a> and it was so good we were sad when it was over. If you are able, do check it out! </p><p>That's all from rainy Murphy folks! </p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail<br /></p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-77470538660194310672024-01-22T16:32:00.020-05:002024-01-24T07:06:44.501-05:00January Continues it's Cold Ways<p>Have I already told you about my Bay's bonanza? If not, let's rectify that situation here and now. </p><p>Many people like Thomas's English Muffins, but our family is not amongst those who do. Instead, we are big fans of Bay's, found in the refrigerator case in most grocery stores. They have great sized holes to catch your toppings in the nooks and crannies and the fact that they are pre-cut only adds to their allure.</p><p>Except of late, their standards seemed to have slipped, not unlike so many products post-Covid. Wait, we just had Covid, so it's still here, but I guess that is a topic for another day. Anyway, the halves were uneven, the muffins were flat with no crevices and in general, just not the muffins that we have known and grown to love over the years. So, I called them and they could not have been any nicer, responding immediately to my call with none of this, "we will call you back" business." Imagine my surprise when the mail arrived with not one, not two, but SIX coupons each worth $6.00. Presumably they cost that much in some markets, but where we shop it's worth almost two packages. So that my friends that is my Bay's bonanza story, And the good news is also that the quality has improved of late so a win-win that's for sure!</p><p>In other news, there is still some light in the sky after 6PM, so that's something else to celebrate!</p><p>Folks, this Florida blogger is going crazy what with all the new things I am seeing almost daily. Some days more than others but I am not complaining, rather I am celebrating the fact that we get to do this!! I hardly know where to start! A fair warning friends, there are plenty of birds up ahead! </p><p>Before we delve into that, recently a friend posted an opinion piece on her fb page and it included the quote attributed to Alfred Einstein, wherein he states, "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." I suppose you know which camp I fall into. How about you?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-36ZMcIb3lZBdYVJL9u3TZ3TNkYCG54BLFANBa3It1n5xWRa6qzq5K1OQbi490Oo0Vlb--JVU1ZK5jXv2xHP3bWvZajjqPqmyOax4bllouVEeFwjOWqgShtleGGQFo5Pv4Lk1ON1pgdsRWHeqW3WFpZyWjkabO6EI56utsd2zHzI_hV6nEXZgNIT9bdc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-36ZMcIb3lZBdYVJL9u3TZ3TNkYCG54BLFANBa3It1n5xWRa6qzq5K1OQbi490Oo0Vlb--JVU1ZK5jXv2xHP3bWvZajjqPqmyOax4bllouVEeFwjOWqgShtleGGQFo5Pv4Lk1ON1pgdsRWHeqW3WFpZyWjkabO6EI56utsd2zHzI_hV6nEXZgNIT9bdc=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div>This would be a <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Siskin/overview">Pine Sisken</a> that loves hanging out with the huge, and I mean huge flock of American Goldfinch that have been eating bird seed as if it were a miracle! <p></p><p>I asked my darling husband some weeks ago about removing the window screen in order for my photographs to be better. As you well know, he does love pleasing me, but sometimes he chooses a funny time to do so, in this case when it was just beginning to snow!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxIZYV5oGV7i14KuR0v63BgvdVffUS3650vijSglZq8oHK4LFD9iil4LJ_oLs6AjGVLb5SfqPlDkcoM3dd6ZykiqUBn3u2buKlCNPYC41b5bC_KrvFH7-w5-ROpOfzU51zECXG7SfA4jTJftAJiH65RbGOy3ed5AecCvSDwsctBtfbW5scvCVAvnRfGw4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxIZYV5oGV7i14KuR0v63BgvdVffUS3650vijSglZq8oHK4LFD9iil4LJ_oLs6AjGVLb5SfqPlDkcoM3dd6ZykiqUBn3u2buKlCNPYC41b5bC_KrvFH7-w5-ROpOfzU51zECXG7SfA4jTJftAJiH65RbGOy3ed5AecCvSDwsctBtfbW5scvCVAvnRfGw4" width="640" /></a></div>Which means I am often to be found here watching the endless comings and goings of our winter birds.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-JKJcenauWzjPLoSTbyWc2fPb511FCmrtIP-8ERz1Hhx6quzJ7U-S0UZHq-yd7ZJ5SIzQcJ0if45Aa_sIInR2gy4fG4RO8tL31NCWJpUytAi_bUAcoYJ6OTkk3M_kpKpCx2Nh5EzvsU8AEtFCnU09U2P8n2lsK0-xi8EUlKOIJLCVnZQ02XOFJr1V5MU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-JKJcenauWzjPLoSTbyWc2fPb511FCmrtIP-8ERz1Hhx6quzJ7U-S0UZHq-yd7ZJ5SIzQcJ0if45Aa_sIInR2gy4fG4RO8tL31NCWJpUytAi_bUAcoYJ6OTkk3M_kpKpCx2Nh5EzvsU8AEtFCnU09U2P8n2lsK0-xi8EUlKOIJLCVnZQ02XOFJr1V5MU=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Indeed it has snowed, albeit not very much. One morning, I can't even remember when it was but last week sometime, I went out at first light and was roaming around a bit when what to my wondering eyes should appear but a few white specks on my new burgundy jacket given to me by Fallon for my birthday. Running into the house, I was squealing with delight as I told Bruce what was happening. You better believe I had a camera at the ready.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuLCjW8IWy4mgTH40AKuMmiE4ceSSALvA-skwscZxVFu2YqwPf9YUcUA0La8qeX-HWEll84AxHqAYD3BVcNTyEjkE_xGVRpM9UoA3k_xOuqGomhhswO-h4VKj2Ifl-aq6LIxrhDtpS8mzucKuGD45kGqwq5hWJTL1489EncROY3xYdigJxGZReolFMgIE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuLCjW8IWy4mgTH40AKuMmiE4ceSSALvA-skwscZxVFu2YqwPf9YUcUA0La8qeX-HWEll84AxHqAYD3BVcNTyEjkE_xGVRpM9UoA3k_xOuqGomhhswO-h4VKj2Ifl-aq6LIxrhDtpS8mzucKuGD45kGqwq5hWJTL1489EncROY3xYdigJxGZReolFMgIE=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>It was mighty cold so it wasn't long before I found my perch and watched the action from inside.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9NeUiHhnHNTVwu-mdrg8-Dr8irx1A-9jjdqXqF4GQh9B66Dj1stIJc5GjjGqQV7WLsFXWYcvOB43DtAteazi7wPIDGLjXIv3g5x1rPrDNOprVHit1jUmDTXA-fkwpRjIWm3p3TMKQIWSnPmdJFwlupmOA3cnrmQCJbp3oPJDRfHc3CdGqnYKskgHpvzg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9NeUiHhnHNTVwu-mdrg8-Dr8irx1A-9jjdqXqF4GQh9B66Dj1stIJc5GjjGqQV7WLsFXWYcvOB43DtAteazi7wPIDGLjXIv3g5x1rPrDNOprVHit1jUmDTXA-fkwpRjIWm3p3TMKQIWSnPmdJFwlupmOA3cnrmQCJbp3oPJDRfHc3CdGqnYKskgHpvzg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Those colors! This cuteness!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYdlNl8jsfhZGoypN-dhqfitHyuG2qznJtNuoZ7VfqjVYhpt-YgF3EKT_I0ph_tx5xUHTjArdWJCHheJcLVBdmnkbnfL1EpiHL1Pr7QQ-KENiJfAFKx5tMAaT1btdU7DiqWwbUKaUCwo_TSu_wXTU9xl1ze5QwIPdfFiHALO4466gLANDXYS5AhzwrGBc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYdlNl8jsfhZGoypN-dhqfitHyuG2qznJtNuoZ7VfqjVYhpt-YgF3EKT_I0ph_tx5xUHTjArdWJCHheJcLVBdmnkbnfL1EpiHL1Pr7QQ-KENiJfAFKx5tMAaT1btdU7DiqWwbUKaUCwo_TSu_wXTU9xl1ze5QwIPdfFiHALO4466gLANDXYS5AhzwrGBc=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>This is our set up and it is Mr. Bruce who keeps those feeders filled; lately nearly every day!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsw0U9b8ROELGkmsq9X9XV3tvLMAl09ZW5SbqJdCNz9T-8GFS7zFwCRrHM85HmWzBWGFjxjmQ7vxP5LzPrNwlOztkxdELO5s2wRMgkt3fl2PFb7fDrJZeQwPbK6lnHNAqU7a2m12SdI4iWqwkmXe32aMRb8i1vWNMw6t4hyFVs8WUybjfRx4w_SuzicV4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsw0U9b8ROELGkmsq9X9XV3tvLMAl09ZW5SbqJdCNz9T-8GFS7zFwCRrHM85HmWzBWGFjxjmQ7vxP5LzPrNwlOztkxdELO5s2wRMgkt3fl2PFb7fDrJZeQwPbK6lnHNAqU7a2m12SdI4iWqwkmXe32aMRb8i1vWNMw6t4hyFVs8WUybjfRx4w_SuzicV4=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I made a list of our birds and there are eleven regular visitors, including two Mourning Doves that only have come to the party in the last few days. For the most part, the birds share with dust-ups only occasionally. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNq1FACObKp6-IUIdpu1s4M0a_BUyWHJ5f6H0DoHtGnAFMza6nirncdSuBD1Ce9WlLVw55K9cxTZR2scZDZV0yz2d1LFZ4MszttqiJknLl54Ae-yf-YehWz3niggAhXxxJ6HcX7UQWux3iw0TFwBTxZdmoR9ZXAkcKXZRjeJKLqoMggA8nbVVPoh8Lpv0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNq1FACObKp6-IUIdpu1s4M0a_BUyWHJ5f6H0DoHtGnAFMza6nirncdSuBD1Ce9WlLVw55K9cxTZR2scZDZV0yz2d1LFZ4MszttqiJknLl54Ae-yf-YehWz3niggAhXxxJ6HcX7UQWux3iw0TFwBTxZdmoR9ZXAkcKXZRjeJKLqoMggA8nbVVPoh8Lpv0=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>As we were leaving the transfer station which is at the top of a hill, I noticed snow on the mountain tops at a distance. Honey.....can we drive to see it better?<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr2mJVw8GfVzB81ZmVhAmlD4VhBCBF5rN4ATZO4DsCulimlFgVtBzcoeSP4auWPtIa65ThhSi7gn0fCTtI43BoLszPLjhxZlM72ONPXgupWJu8d6GlyvfgqlUBPh3XByhjRvdj20SuQGyfF6KyGkF-VChaq3yRUijrNQipAUY7B7afGpm3-mp7Wd4qNIw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr2mJVw8GfVzB81ZmVhAmlD4VhBCBF5rN4ATZO4DsCulimlFgVtBzcoeSP4auWPtIa65ThhSi7gn0fCTtI43BoLszPLjhxZlM72ONPXgupWJu8d6GlyvfgqlUBPh3XByhjRvdj20SuQGyfF6KyGkF-VChaq3yRUijrNQipAUY7B7afGpm3-mp7Wd4qNIw" width="640" /></a></div>It wasn't much to most folks, but this Florida gal wants all the snow sights she can find. Actually, I believe I mentioned how there was a whole bunch of snow all around us, but to date ours has been enough to get me excited, yet in reality is very little. What is fascinating is that our weather apps show snow and there is none and then it snows when there is no warning. Technology is great most of the time, but miracles are still happening all around us.<p></p><p>How cold has it been? One night it was 7 degrees! Maybe when we were in Vancouver, but I really don't remember it getting that cold. One great thing here is that while it may be cold as the dickens, many of those kind of days have a gorgeous blue sky, like so, so blue. It's just wonderful.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEFwyaIQCOR4fJR3IHLwuMY_iWkc_xVw0rPPCHuiEFZCQj76QJfgGE1jzNxHvaXbhgHbm9wo8PbhY4WPmzB0z0YuCXVn67B0tf89Nz8V9oSOIgb-y1r7PXFs1pEoF5ndQKhLzJC-nB4DR9Q3L8ItV19MWXlzLwboYhkeo0QgmPdqWHC-kNsZSRcjYwiTg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEFwyaIQCOR4fJR3IHLwuMY_iWkc_xVw0rPPCHuiEFZCQj76QJfgGE1jzNxHvaXbhgHbm9wo8PbhY4WPmzB0z0YuCXVn67B0tf89Nz8V9oSOIgb-y1r7PXFs1pEoF5ndQKhLzJC-nB4DR9Q3L8ItV19MWXlzLwboYhkeo0QgmPdqWHC-kNsZSRcjYwiTg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The pond at the end of the driveway froze!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5dN71GUqR25tbZiXdeYhv9U3yS1jj2AdzkOgUg-OL6K_VQpx5ucP6BYqoHixB_JbjRXOrzywDD2NpPOXK2M_e0JJmWQOL_0T1OdrNG5xAqC-lChC6-pUH5R5NMT6i1uxcbHaWTyuv4ULiLyT_kMMwlr9NAkmo9Fg4_LyklUpUAtfpgGOXnKMSPOgMlfE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5dN71GUqR25tbZiXdeYhv9U3yS1jj2AdzkOgUg-OL6K_VQpx5ucP6BYqoHixB_JbjRXOrzywDD2NpPOXK2M_e0JJmWQOL_0T1OdrNG5xAqC-lChC6-pUH5R5NMT6i1uxcbHaWTyuv4ULiLyT_kMMwlr9NAkmo9Fg4_LyklUpUAtfpgGOXnKMSPOgMlfE" width="640" /></a></div>It has me wondering about the numerous frogs that live there. Wait, are they cold blooded and can withstand this kind of temperature? Let me check.....well duh! My science teacher friends are laughing right about now, that's for certain!<p></p><p>Another day when we came home from somewhere, John mentioned that he wished we had been here a little earlier when the pond was covered with fresh snow. While not still covered due to the wind, it still looked very cool. (no pun intended!) ***note bundled up Mr. Peck</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0ZEs9lx3Txr_BbxnqzV4oJJWhvcJ72BiKkNJikZPsk2mkCMPISSAchEYLUq4VThqOapaVEflP0xeURdpfDuvLRiYkSTaTV1TlGDIc9sMWrvcmYxWVdUZ2GMzr0jhK_xX7sh7xvuzNVDJe6_ECkroTr9_Vwl4QCDuvCaHaRHTKfXcUZTIoNSFxXN45wCo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3114" data-original-width="4152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0ZEs9lx3Txr_BbxnqzV4oJJWhvcJ72BiKkNJikZPsk2mkCMPISSAchEYLUq4VThqOapaVEflP0xeURdpfDuvLRiYkSTaTV1TlGDIc9sMWrvcmYxWVdUZ2GMzr0jhK_xX7sh7xvuzNVDJe6_ECkroTr9_Vwl4QCDuvCaHaRHTKfXcUZTIoNSFxXN45wCo=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br />It turns out that there is a lot about winter that I am liking including the light along the river walk,<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh67HEKlW_Kgz3H8YYBSJcjdvVXQoNAT1hYQ6cytTK41T9UX9JjY2RH5SUUFhT0yellTLfDyduSFcv0FpJQ0ZeK7SNKfOS2mcXDnvJNoumpd4SzdwV2Ik-bs4sZ7JBGhuBM-wY1TmMcaZBYnvXZK3sc5q3Z8YlfKXyrNxvMvAvlQv0gVIBfz8zzhaNywnw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh67HEKlW_Kgz3H8YYBSJcjdvVXQoNAT1hYQ6cytTK41T9UX9JjY2RH5SUUFhT0yellTLfDyduSFcv0FpJQ0ZeK7SNKfOS2mcXDnvJNoumpd4SzdwV2Ik-bs4sZ7JBGhuBM-wY1TmMcaZBYnvXZK3sc5q3Z8YlfKXyrNxvMvAvlQv0gVIBfz8zzhaNywnw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>as well as the long shadows.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCxmCDcfNbiU89J3LtyOXywYmwsTRBrsE_hgBL_8QQ5rHUjsWC9Ej0vHaW1ue9-6MrdU76lOH5YzvMsPN5Wt2zlccgemAZi1pDpCCkdTDG10g3g0jb2JsJCDPAj9q28765zepfEgnlAVXYzctdN054EVoXwGdEFO8_ohICjDGJN_IfttfN7mLy_tffSyw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCxmCDcfNbiU89J3LtyOXywYmwsTRBrsE_hgBL_8QQ5rHUjsWC9Ej0vHaW1ue9-6MrdU76lOH5YzvMsPN5Wt2zlccgemAZi1pDpCCkdTDG10g3g0jb2JsJCDPAj9q28765zepfEgnlAVXYzctdN054EVoXwGdEFO8_ohICjDGJN_IfttfN7mLy_tffSyw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>So the above is the road to both our home away from home, and the mailbox. It is found about where I am standing to take the above photograph. The mailbox has been mostly empty and now we know why. Each year, for the last ten, Bruce has received a check from Darden restaurants which was his 401K divided by ten. A choice that has been a real blessing to us. For nine years they have mailed the check and it has all gone swimmingly. <u>This year has been anything but</u>. Despite the fact that Bruce filled out all of the paperwork in early December to change it to direct deposit, that did not happen. Instead, the post office thinks that our forwarding request is no longer needed, so it was mailed to Orlando. Bummer, but we do have available help in the form of my sister Nancy. She did all that we asked, which was go to Office Depot where they have a Fedex outpost and after checking that two day for $32 instead of one day for over $100 was our choice, she made it happen. Not so fast! Here it is five days later and no package has been received because it went through the post office instead of Fedex! Not to mention that the tracking refused to update and now we know why. It sat in Orlando for at least three of those days. Oh how I hate the post office right now!!! The nerve of them to charge such exorbitant rates and get away with it! We now know that it is in South Carolina and with any luck it will arrive tomorrow at the Murphy post office, something that remains to be seen. What an ordeal!<p></p><p>Thank goodness for my wonderful husband, who not only heated the string before he could undo the knot in order for him to fill the feeder,</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmUNLiAnLIKjm3sZdwjyZe6DuZtX3QKVy8MMpmk6uE4gHQ23-Q8025sKWAqISthvinQSqBkwIy1NWCVos_5tfM8qhYQls554S5jcTSeifrARZLoYTVnj7iVRjV3gal1UHoGFdzRFK8bTxd-za2kHgGYDKBIvCcvcYWxDvOiLAm0pkkrY-KnRa8_fY4cQs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmUNLiAnLIKjm3sZdwjyZe6DuZtX3QKVy8MMpmk6uE4gHQ23-Q8025sKWAqISthvinQSqBkwIy1NWCVos_5tfM8qhYQls554S5jcTSeifrARZLoYTVnj7iVRjV3gal1UHoGFdzRFK8bTxd-za2kHgGYDKBIvCcvcYWxDvOiLAm0pkkrY-KnRa8_fY4cQs=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div>but he also set up our new heated bird bath!!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic6qa7t2HF8oCZBNHlSIkX8_WtpmnPCJPwrx9NQPd3lsuGNr6wZ37TNuuH2IxGnv74ocU-K5fzCX99NKS7X8wyFjBa7mW6tlbAOqxcf6q20T1JIZZ2DO4t7s41dAYCvYxhbtYqGDkVV2lIyyFy9xyaKnfDKn1tihsfWSDaQjK3LFIMwpluGeL2lPLeWe4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic6qa7t2HF8oCZBNHlSIkX8_WtpmnPCJPwrx9NQPd3lsuGNr6wZ37TNuuH2IxGnv74ocU-K5fzCX99NKS7X8wyFjBa7mW6tlbAOqxcf6q20T1JIZZ2DO4t7s41dAYCvYxhbtYqGDkVV2lIyyFy9xyaKnfDKn1tihsfWSDaQjK3LFIMwpluGeL2lPLeWe4=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I was telling Patti about it and she called it a hot tub, so now we are calling it that too! It took a day or so before we had any takers, and while they are not flocking to it, mostly it is for drinking at this time of year. The Carolina Wren gave it a go though.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgazx6INiDGPVCv279zIoygUxD-GLwmvoBDGCx2F3Vdr3ikLkGAlO6UhKdtXTL7I4tES_V7ZMkXZ8eRtCGcD3GIeUs93wvAMfimVMlYlZKovE83Gr2xTpKmSjYwr0Q7EGLpfVNG2MKsR7S3mqHwEExNy2OeK_wL-gCp5ZeYja_r_8XC9LtdSuCcAaYETMw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgazx6INiDGPVCv279zIoygUxD-GLwmvoBDGCx2F3Vdr3ikLkGAlO6UhKdtXTL7I4tES_V7ZMkXZ8eRtCGcD3GIeUs93wvAMfimVMlYlZKovE83Gr2xTpKmSjYwr0Q7EGLpfVNG2MKsR7S3mqHwEExNy2OeK_wL-gCp5ZeYja_r_8XC9LtdSuCcAaYETMw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I read somewhere that you can attract Bluebirds to your feeders with mealworms, as well as chopped apple. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuCoXpJEN56gY6M1LPwmDfPllS7nW4iYHf_yTPOevG7PwuqxOqf1kXwAmszP98duyaAXWKG4bL6k4SkA1QFjT4h0p1RoAkhbpejyHzmIkhrH4sRh5iw37YqWFTXB5DanLQazkAsqhcz0076pvuMpknYL0dyXinAn0ZBYf-lb1gk7Xz1SP3J4yZbqsaz4U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuCoXpJEN56gY6M1LPwmDfPllS7nW4iYHf_yTPOevG7PwuqxOqf1kXwAmszP98duyaAXWKG4bL6k4SkA1QFjT4h0p1RoAkhbpejyHzmIkhrH4sRh5iw37YqWFTXB5DanLQazkAsqhcz0076pvuMpknYL0dyXinAn0ZBYf-lb1gk7Xz1SP3J4yZbqsaz4U=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>So far, no Bluebirds have even come close, but one of my new favorites was persuaded to try it out.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-zKvSXVojucWueDd3OEUdAD4t0FH-UA8AxUAvVq-4nJBknnF-5wws75Dai5ORq6ipRXOTz7IdBuvYnfZoXrE44DVWImBVhV4Rk28DCR70xY91Z-FQlIGpnY7FoRbbXbbT5sYYwRSVi6VZgIErpbtHJkxeWU7SCDrHSKqep0tu6mnsHjLJyo65mLd8bw4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-zKvSXVojucWueDd3OEUdAD4t0FH-UA8AxUAvVq-4nJBknnF-5wws75Dai5ORq6ipRXOTz7IdBuvYnfZoXrE44DVWImBVhV4Rk28DCR70xY91Z-FQlIGpnY7FoRbbXbbT5sYYwRSVi6VZgIErpbtHJkxeWU7SCDrHSKqep0tu6mnsHjLJyo65mLd8bw4=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div>Believe it or not, and I would not blame you for being skeptical, we do get out of the house now, post- Covid and let me tell you it has been great! One day the pickleball ladies had an event that involved learning to make greeting cards. We met at the fellowship hall at our new church.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjF2ilELZ8f1u61SjXvWngzkT0-emwWFAdOBpXwwi50L3afkWYuE_peIF6_C7imbeeMWngkfdqn2PB2EvTY7xeZvNqgW77H4eYLF-RISszLnhUXpW83Bf_5XLbKrF-pEal2nu0nzDMBXvRkREkA53UMK09Q8P8JT1wOIyvy4BbFMAjvP3YtYxUEs69dKcg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjF2ilELZ8f1u61SjXvWngzkT0-emwWFAdOBpXwwi50L3afkWYuE_peIF6_C7imbeeMWngkfdqn2PB2EvTY7xeZvNqgW77H4eYLF-RISszLnhUXpW83Bf_5XLbKrF-pEal2nu0nzDMBXvRkREkA53UMK09Q8P8JT1wOIyvy4BbFMAjvP3YtYxUEs69dKcg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>Crafting was followed up with pots of hot tea and homemade goodies, none cuter than this!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_ZkOzsy4VDzxg2uUuuOd6OEzBBx1OGrNX78fSy17wMfIP4zNg5vzHVxvSoMnyY3nDz_8g-lY1Xu10awMpT9xDLIKhmQU5-RFnz2QJQc40wfBXiDoRFzGoFy7GMBbMgiVBu7XC9ABNmIu3DGOsKZIWhBjBe8D5K32aoMRgsRbaKRJtkT5s9p0u4ZTJjCk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_ZkOzsy4VDzxg2uUuuOd6OEzBBx1OGrNX78fSy17wMfIP4zNg5vzHVxvSoMnyY3nDz_8g-lY1Xu10awMpT9xDLIKhmQU5-RFnz2QJQc40wfBXiDoRFzGoFy7GMBbMgiVBu7XC9ABNmIu3DGOsKZIWhBjBe8D5K32aoMRgsRbaKRJtkT5s9p0u4ZTJjCk=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>Oh my goodness everything was so tasty! Snow, snow! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAwUFXsrJsiEl1PuvfSDG-2yD9ieBzT7Z9mhxVY0xHExRIfgbnDedMg7-2Oo2IG1t7H-roP-4GRqwOlI2bDou-YOlC_3I0G8SiXaJnFKO00lAmW0sHrx20gTTXvt4VVGGFQOlWsVCVFK54s3voAwZ60VfGawaIPaZYSr3dOxo96rRxsEKgcvlS2595vrc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAwUFXsrJsiEl1PuvfSDG-2yD9ieBzT7Z9mhxVY0xHExRIfgbnDedMg7-2Oo2IG1t7H-roP-4GRqwOlI2bDou-YOlC_3I0G8SiXaJnFKO00lAmW0sHrx20gTTXvt4VVGGFQOlWsVCVFK54s3voAwZ60VfGawaIPaZYSr3dOxo96rRxsEKgcvlS2595vrc=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Is it any wonder that we are loving this experiment? At home we have one feeder that I cannot even see and while we do get birds, nothing like here. Already documented in this space is my disappointment about not seeing Northern Cardinals enough but maybe our luck is changing.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgW9m6uthl7rHDVFAqcKLscwf35y6NAD2DAORUhLkpfqcGT3g0dTRNf5WtxGhIkC6oQ08GFa5waQNXPDzP2oymU3LL98GUjvo-0_9U6x5D-To_BtUzpCoH42KPVp7ke9NhDyXelIfPRWv_CadFsC6EUq9dleWp6ROtZXGd3xzNSnuw1T_PFOgSpy1fz_cQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgW9m6uthl7rHDVFAqcKLscwf35y6NAD2DAORUhLkpfqcGT3g0dTRNf5WtxGhIkC6oQ08GFa5waQNXPDzP2oymU3LL98GUjvo-0_9U6x5D-To_BtUzpCoH42KPVp7ke9NhDyXelIfPRWv_CadFsC6EUq9dleWp6ROtZXGd3xzNSnuw1T_PFOgSpy1fz_cQ" width="640" /></a></div>One thing, and this really boils down to expectations, is that I was hoping to see more stars. I know, I sound darn greedy don't I? Anyway, over the summer, in spite of living on ten acres with hardly anything around us, it was either rainy or cloudy, or both. And now it is crazy cold to go outside but this morning it was so worth it, seeing the beauty of diamonds in the sky. It was dark as could be at 6AM and actually this morning was far warmer than it was last week so in my robe, coat and slippers, turning my head upwards, in spite of my old neck I might add, it was glorious. Miracles are everywhere if you know where to look!<p></p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail<br /></p><p>p.s Thinking about our limited winter experience made me go back in time and look at my January posts from Vancouver. It is hard to believe <a href="https://gpeck.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-best-of-dogs.html">that it has been six years since our Baxie died which I wrote about here. </a> Don't read that post from January 22, 2018 unless you feel like crying. :(</p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-47197347627710563792024-01-15T17:14:00.009-05:002024-01-18T07:24:48.259-05:00Let's Begin 2024 Again<p>Most years my biggest wish is to get through the year without a major health crisis. 2024, so far, is not having the most ideal start. Can it only go downhill from here, or more to my liking, can it only go uphill from here? At any rate, it sure has started with a bang!</p><p>That said, the two of us are doing just fine as you read this; maybe a little more tired than typical, but mostly good. I did lose my taste and smell for about five days, but I think that is improving. We even played a little pickleball this morning, such as it was. Only one other fellow, Larry, showed up so it was a rotating two against one type situation. I'll tell you what, in spite of it being pretty dismal weather, we laughed this morning and <u>that is a hard thing to put a price on</u>. Seriously, it seems as if it has been forever since we laughed, so we were glad we went. And I am here to report, I did not feel that this could have been me only a week or so prior! A fall risk? Say it ain't so!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLk1sZfDW3AFVwFnw-osS9S-hXNxaR4zrdyO7ibAYBE0k7UuxGx5WlkRGowVCw0evG68psdd7NUU89oXHJVOIXsYZT4anZ593gjD6jW6II1b_tNNIfDbynDv-9-shdzVtJE_Y2tTQkhyBMsvmu3DSRW3HCoWdmGBDwbAOYHcsrrf1f4L9_J9m6jhe4MXg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2474" data-original-width="3709" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLk1sZfDW3AFVwFnw-osS9S-hXNxaR4zrdyO7ibAYBE0k7UuxGx5WlkRGowVCw0evG68psdd7NUU89oXHJVOIXsYZT4anZ593gjD6jW6II1b_tNNIfDbynDv-9-shdzVtJE_Y2tTQkhyBMsvmu3DSRW3HCoWdmGBDwbAOYHcsrrf1f4L9_J9m6jhe4MXg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>One of my oldest friends, going way back to x-ray school, commented on my last post that we are no longer spring chickens anymore! She went through a harrowing experience involving strep throat, Canada and Covid that even reading about it made me cringe. I will say that when the EMT guys called the hospital from our place and stated that they were bringing in a 70 year old woman I could not help but wonder what picture that conjured up in the other person's mind. To tell you the truth, I cannot imagine that I am 70 years old. What am I supposed to feel like at 70? In my mind, in spite of all my occasional maladies, I feel pretty darn perky which is probably a very good thing because we all know that that perkiness can come crashing down in a heartbeat. I will take perky more often than not please!<p></p><p>Because I want to be able to go back in time and remember our Covid experience, I am including this bit from the ER doctor that we both thought was just amazing. I was sent home with discharge papers and it included this narrative from the physician:</p><p>"Ms. Peck, your testing here was reassuring. I believe you had an episode of syncope from dehydration and possibly a vasovagal episode." <u>Your testing was reassuring</u>! How great is that to read? He was as nice as it seems from his report. He even took the time to explain to Bruce that even though his sister and mother are nurses, when his dad went down with syncope, they panicked and called him. It was a scary situation with no lasting effects, thank God! </p><p>So here's to never having Covid again! Bruce is still in shock that after all this time he was actually sick, so much so that he vows never to do it again. Wouldn't that be wonderful?</p><p>Before we leave that all behind us I must document how we spent nearly two weeks at home. We watched a lot of PBS! We absolutely fell in love with Vivian Howard and her show <a href="https://www.pbs.org/food/shows/a-chefs-life/"><i>A Chef's Life</i></a>, <u>so much so that we watched all five seasons!</u> We watched a season of <i>Granchester</i>, Ken Burn's times several including one on Prohibition and a Holocaust documentary. Oh my gosh! Just when I was getting set up to watch <i>Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris</i>, a recommendation from Nancy, all hell broke loose, but I did watch it a few days later and it is so heartwarming, watch it NOW!</p><p>I am not going to lie, it has been darn cold here. You know me, I've got to have an outdoor thermometer and when Bruce asked what I wanted for Christmas, well this was it!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjKSupdiXSAC-dNkt2Vix-Kq-NsG5A-TDD85u48LT0dwSxFpCWIw5MWXRx5WlFH_eNqmG2NSx88P7wnTXzTrzebRrsx3lm9hZnH_S9CKp6YGw3cZNqPuqHmi4_a_6RsY8aMLVr8lCQttUIBcWoG5aKEFLhQ9R03SzpQQJzr5WkjGqWKR_9BtLxgMQp0Zg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4419" data-original-width="2948" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjKSupdiXSAC-dNkt2Vix-Kq-NsG5A-TDD85u48LT0dwSxFpCWIw5MWXRx5WlFH_eNqmG2NSx88P7wnTXzTrzebRrsx3lm9hZnH_S9CKp6YGw3cZNqPuqHmi4_a_6RsY8aMLVr8lCQttUIBcWoG5aKEFLhQ9R03SzpQQJzr5WkjGqWKR_9BtLxgMQp0Zg=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div>Mostly our phones are very close, but not entirely and enquiring minds want to know! John just called Bruce and they are driving back from a long weekend in Asheville amongst heavy snowfall. People have suggested we head home to Florida for a bit, which sounds good except what if it snows while we are gone and I miss it? I am dying to see this beautiful landscape covered in snow! I said it was cold, but did I also mention that it is pretty dreary? Some days anyway and today would be one of such days.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoX3zeTVGAu5AOqEByDXPSylVJZJpmPvojWc6_GNTeGLUyyYBSmytJupibCD2IOnNBTxDDZD9VVHCCzu1QFN8_eiA9HK--ll-5L6ufCqG-5m2V8IfT1Dd3qjKRx5Uz8p-16IHAtQNn6C2SKEbRRuW1BQw8LO7DA5j4bBX7rrzHCECMHiI-oVeFDFwezmM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoX3zeTVGAu5AOqEByDXPSylVJZJpmPvojWc6_GNTeGLUyyYBSmytJupibCD2IOnNBTxDDZD9VVHCCzu1QFN8_eiA9HK--ll-5L6ufCqG-5m2V8IfT1Dd3qjKRx5Uz8p-16IHAtQNn6C2SKEbRRuW1BQw8LO7DA5j4bBX7rrzHCECMHiI-oVeFDFwezmM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I think it was maybe Friday that I finally went walking along the river? I keep posting this exact photograph from the bridge so we can see it in all seasons. There was what might be called a very weak sun that day.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggCehSSBGvo0yEUWQlmQQNlc7EkGRmrgN1bFsgrdBqV1hJH7OvqmOaB7ReveCEBYbHBIDeOBBBB6W1WzBM7cwVNHWIuwBOkAaKCdFmULj8rm10OOPAy-0PATfdPB1CAdNNqznZwALfCTOUZ0GovoUOsYWpVdlF_7uehFytSVcm5rAb_GuQgzmsJuXS3dI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggCehSSBGvo0yEUWQlmQQNlc7EkGRmrgN1bFsgrdBqV1hJH7OvqmOaB7ReveCEBYbHBIDeOBBBB6W1WzBM7cwVNHWIuwBOkAaKCdFmULj8rm10OOPAy-0PATfdPB1CAdNNqznZwALfCTOUZ0GovoUOsYWpVdlF_7uehFytSVcm5rAb_GuQgzmsJuXS3dI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I don't expect you to remember them, but I sure remember when we came here last May to visit the cottage before committing to the long term rental and the banks were bursting with green and countless yellow flowers. Glorious. <i>The Cherokee Scout</i> had a photo last week with the caption that it is not easy remembering the natural beauty of the area during the winter. No kidding!! Speaking of the paper, I wrote a letter to the editor and by golly they printed it. I'm pretty sure they print every letter, but maybe not. You can take Gail out of Orlando, but you can't keep her from writing letters to the editor! Ha ha! Most of you have no idea what a history I have in that department over the decades. I'm here to tell you that I do.<p></p><p>Let's look around here because I haven't gone very many places lately except for one day we did come across these deer and the light was so good I am forced to share.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib4BuEHJkQZmI67l5J_AxMoUGeDrID1U9VQM8bJiXLBBWGOf8C4EKNi4XG18xjcNRVyPQDPzcOR1wWx0YFd00i2D8EHJ_3LO3Sw_PFGw_YzxFakxU6MP_9L-icdHVEGI-JknWKj4_KEU5P9WW1lW1ZqkIYwfcarpdHuUvhhtyPqiHOkC8emt9F08EnTHo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2595" data-original-width="3655" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib4BuEHJkQZmI67l5J_AxMoUGeDrID1U9VQM8bJiXLBBWGOf8C4EKNi4XG18xjcNRVyPQDPzcOR1wWx0YFd00i2D8EHJ_3LO3Sw_PFGw_YzxFakxU6MP_9L-icdHVEGI-JknWKj4_KEU5P9WW1lW1ZqkIYwfcarpdHuUvhhtyPqiHOkC8emt9F08EnTHo=w640-h454" width="640" /></a></div>This morning while looking out the kitchen window I saw a bunch of deer. Getting my camera quickly when I opened the door they shot off. Or should I say they sped off? I'm pretty sure deer do not like the word shot in the same sentence as they are mentioned. Eventually they returned and it was great fun watching them have what appeared as playful behavior, chasing one another all across the ridge. But what do I know? <p></p><p>I do know my birds though and we are having a hey-day with them! One of the beautiful Spotted Towhees posing for me. Have I told you lately how fascinated I am with the varying eye colors birds see out of?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii-tpWp7Im2wnJ6-0_Rt81SeOAds_tCsRTXpfwn3pQKl6ljb0Re_oj6xr3dZjCEDINWE7g42DOIlLZHqUob8QXtQ3763zFI-CpR7Jjl74BiotRRghbA5KKKYKQZWkfjx9FqdWHb4d7U_mBJgmgqsDssgJttqQMqIp6LMm_8PODKk-GREKtHRy9h0IeKk0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii-tpWp7Im2wnJ6-0_Rt81SeOAds_tCsRTXpfwn3pQKl6ljb0Re_oj6xr3dZjCEDINWE7g42DOIlLZHqUob8QXtQ3763zFI-CpR7Jjl74BiotRRghbA5KKKYKQZWkfjx9FqdWHb4d7U_mBJgmgqsDssgJttqQMqIp6LMm_8PODKk-GREKtHRy9h0IeKk0=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div>Does it change their vision I wonder? <p></p><p>Bird feeders are sprouting like weeds around here. John "bequeathed" a brand new feeder to Bruce because he claims he does a better job of keeping his feeders full. It is not easy these days, I will say that much. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFVDCa3dCN-CzM3zYgrJ4N4z4mLiJ2HZ7eZqiBFsCQr2hucrqhTgjWTzXemiFWwCp5F9Loe7cCy2TYQPgVMUTukx0WA-IkT5ybKyNomduknKSsK8omK1ek6g0AORd-sRhEOgsPtiWwWaC9eissPg4KCRAATEfb-ong9waj6ZaRrWjrJh1jyaEWs1FqAQY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFVDCa3dCN-CzM3zYgrJ4N4z4mLiJ2HZ7eZqiBFsCQr2hucrqhTgjWTzXemiFWwCp5F9Loe7cCy2TYQPgVMUTukx0WA-IkT5ybKyNomduknKSsK8omK1ek6g0AORd-sRhEOgsPtiWwWaC9eissPg4KCRAATEfb-ong9waj6ZaRrWjrJh1jyaEWs1FqAQY=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I took the above photo about three days ago and they are nearly empty and that will happen when you have so many birds visiting it is hard to keep count! It is a happy day when a Cardinal decides to eat here.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjk7ZI7WdlpDIl6aP177EyUH4Mi3pvm9yvZ7ngWO7zcVVZZbX3Hd2ciylbjAPiDrLV6mwroxSM2Dk6LdBJA4vg16RI-uU6sULJ6e4wwXQDYtaneULOgA4Y17RMjaFaGlygUGrsXKsChmAnAm8S3CqwPaW2D758tShER7bqZBafiY3BJRrVqsww92yoLF7Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjk7ZI7WdlpDIl6aP177EyUH4Mi3pvm9yvZ7ngWO7zcVVZZbX3Hd2ciylbjAPiDrLV6mwroxSM2Dk6LdBJA4vg16RI-uU6sULJ6e4wwXQDYtaneULOgA4Y17RMjaFaGlygUGrsXKsChmAnAm8S3CqwPaW2D758tShER7bqZBafiY3BJRrVqsww92yoLF7Q=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div>I am like freaking out that a White Breasted Nuthatch has been coming around. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggWRNw5D1A6Mkr-VV6DHX6cl0DyoKUh9O7GRO3gwipO7ErtIbNQKxmLRpMAjwANKZXkA3wpmI7ADt6aSEVUX1XnfrV78QrtXPuLnK6zmQtYDtcrrkMeL7PpSwFC-wGlE8oWCen81EoFLrx4Yf2Llv6IGBBy_NOjb9Jz2doVzZ9fIAZl14E_gK9nG_xEA8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2690" data-original-width="3652" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggWRNw5D1A6Mkr-VV6DHX6cl0DyoKUh9O7GRO3gwipO7ErtIbNQKxmLRpMAjwANKZXkA3wpmI7ADt6aSEVUX1XnfrV78QrtXPuLnK6zmQtYDtcrrkMeL7PpSwFC-wGlE8oWCen81EoFLrx4Yf2Llv6IGBBy_NOjb9Jz2doVzZ9fIAZl14E_gK9nG_xEA8=w640-h472" width="640" /></a></div>Isn't it so cute? Look at this underside!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvU_Scp1UGXtubEBLPeI-iW1B1fAbmATBtCPDzPVS9K5bAUERgli2Fj4HrDLTVgfY-x2PQnlQyAcZn8xGv28PQX5IorefzYBEt3Q6y7uDd134i2ap7acTuOdToB_eFETOacVPhbglYgzg45Zr14-dHR-ARuCZZRoKhp0szwEDcarCJ5Sw76ptVxLRoSc8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3064" data-original-width="4592" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvU_Scp1UGXtubEBLPeI-iW1B1fAbmATBtCPDzPVS9K5bAUERgli2Fj4HrDLTVgfY-x2PQnlQyAcZn8xGv28PQX5IorefzYBEt3Q6y7uDd134i2ap7acTuOdToB_eFETOacVPhbglYgzg45Zr14-dHR-ARuCZZRoKhp0szwEDcarCJ5Sw76ptVxLRoSc8=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div>The green string is part of Bruce's pulley system to raise and lower the feeders. Even thought winter is difficult for obvious reasons, birding is not one of them. My goodness, once all those leaves return I will miss my perfect view of our avian pets. We may not have a dog, but we do have about thirty Goldfinch at one time! <p></p><p>On Saturday something very exciting happened here and that was that Bruce built a nest box designed for Bluebirds. It was a labor of love because honestly you can buy them for a quarter of what it cost to build, but isn't that the way with most things? Sadly I might add. That said, it cannot stop us from making things because it is who we are at our core. David is constantly, in his economist voice, telling me it is not cost effective to cook at home the way that I do, in part because when you make so many things from scratch all those ingredients add up. He is very right about that, especially these days. Is there anything at the grocery store under like $3.00 these days? Nancy made a little fun of me the other night when I was talking about making Thousand Island dressing. For a moment she had me thinking she makes it weekly. Only for a moment! Nevertheless, whatever it cost, we are delighted with the results, not to mention that he felt well enough to do it! Digging that hole!!!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwxlIJNgG37l6t2HDQ3jzv90_UkmAccqYyrKNSOZm2A12SbVt5AxwlC96V3Q2_FDDv2AtHVu7ATZ4Q-rr_je1Q8GP7MNSbi10VEeP7meOBfGvHAmrKmhGXe_PwAltzR_wZFOAEcvmHNhd_esWzUmO8xYaIN6GmLvGxjUGc8jBao7JwS17zlhKUDOZ9Kow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4115" data-original-width="3086" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwxlIJNgG37l6t2HDQ3jzv90_UkmAccqYyrKNSOZm2A12SbVt5AxwlC96V3Q2_FDDv2AtHVu7ATZ4Q-rr_je1Q8GP7MNSbi10VEeP7meOBfGvHAmrKmhGXe_PwAltzR_wZFOAEcvmHNhd_esWzUmO8xYaIN6GmLvGxjUGc8jBao7JwS17zlhKUDOZ9Kow=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Sunday morning I tested negative, using my government issued free test which came in the middle of the week, allowing us to return to church service without worry.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyhAedSw1RG1d_CHwx68AKgBu8hptWuZVd1s0B1_QMHpfiQMXg66CuHjlif0qEO_WWhhH7wXGsAbdPDrm9aLUNy7ta2sjm4eN2BwfFBuXwTmeNQQatBK-wFSGqqLLjYJkqK0BWwhhrtD3BLaKZZiorI65Ls7uUaYcpBPMg5a2GWCOc_Mk0cgiFrmvghuI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyhAedSw1RG1d_CHwx68AKgBu8hptWuZVd1s0B1_QMHpfiQMXg66CuHjlif0qEO_WWhhH7wXGsAbdPDrm9aLUNy7ta2sjm4eN2BwfFBuXwTmeNQQatBK-wFSGqqLLjYJkqK0BWwhhrtD3BLaKZZiorI65Ls7uUaYcpBPMg5a2GWCOc_Mk0cgiFrmvghuI=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>After our pickleball session this morning we went to the store for a few things, including something which is called a baffle to ward off critters from the nest box. We ended up buying one from Tractor Supply a store I never imagined that I might visit, but now that we have, I like it. Plus their bird seed is reasonable so I can see us going there again sooner rather than later. Walking up the hill from the mailbox, I took this shot of Bruce installing the aforementioned baffle. Plus it gives you a better idea of how things look around here.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiFq_KGxjAuLkuMAO3AwWrWt_3ac9Ok6harJCjodLZBG3DIJiFXyYTSuup2I2Ip0PCA7OcCGGZnvzu8hZ4aEVWDjXqkmQujyVy6uaVMLdTrg0LIpxBTVif6jPVfmfbkOY125PgHjH-hrbZGAfvuH9Is4T1j9ZuLnGa5t_raStcYROQXZyrghTrOtwpBNw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiFq_KGxjAuLkuMAO3AwWrWt_3ac9Ok6harJCjodLZBG3DIJiFXyYTSuup2I2Ip0PCA7OcCGGZnvzu8hZ4aEVWDjXqkmQujyVy6uaVMLdTrg0LIpxBTVif6jPVfmfbkOY125PgHjH-hrbZGAfvuH9Is4T1j9ZuLnGa5t_raStcYROQXZyrghTrOtwpBNw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Kind of golden, reddish brown leaves remain on some of the trees, and then there are the evergreen trees. It's a nice mix and while it does not hold the same beauty as spring green, there is a certain magic to it. At least I see it that way. The cold is most definitely not Bruce's favorite. At all!<p></p><p>Most mornings for the last month or so begin frosty!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjj9NcrQtJZIKOUXXStLx-SHP8lbgaATWWOfANpS4ccmXnINOLrP1jeOwSQs3I3y-xeACBBsXTXmYDj5dY6qc0vPsLrvwOUY7L2P3Rj8yVkYdy12NH4sKhXrhQ6fDTE1MA93WO-oT_yN2IN-F6rb47a3Zd9euH1MuMsa-psVlk5D61ZIZH7DcAoFkRi0gs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjj9NcrQtJZIKOUXXStLx-SHP8lbgaATWWOfANpS4ccmXnINOLrP1jeOwSQs3I3y-xeACBBsXTXmYDj5dY6qc0vPsLrvwOUY7L2P3Rj8yVkYdy12NH4sKhXrhQ6fDTE1MA93WO-oT_yN2IN-F6rb47a3Zd9euH1MuMsa-psVlk5D61ZIZH7DcAoFkRi0gs" width="640" /></a></div>If only it would snow instead of teasing me so.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0d-64d73OjWjbepExwBwh9MBfyCgNpJViykDTRAcCpRj3rlNAqkU9nNFdGkIRdttq5NoIt3jiFaCRQ6YR5qyoxc6VUTgjZ7kZK2p9MsfJ4d4XIMy42-RK6UG5fgMGSpTMbWevqSopaayt65OvQMNPIE_mCXSDeTgZzJqmZ8cbp9LKEug2piQqWt_OCw0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0d-64d73OjWjbepExwBwh9MBfyCgNpJViykDTRAcCpRj3rlNAqkU9nNFdGkIRdttq5NoIt3jiFaCRQ6YR5qyoxc6VUTgjZ7kZK2p9MsfJ4d4XIMy42-RK6UG5fgMGSpTMbWevqSopaayt65OvQMNPIE_mCXSDeTgZzJqmZ8cbp9LKEug2piQqWt_OCw0=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>It is very good to be back to my blog and let's hope no other calamities keep me from it. So here's to a Happy 2024 because for us, it is just beginning!<p></p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail<br /></p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-10855978683399507862024-01-10T12:15:00.006-05:002024-01-10T12:55:06.591-05:00You Knew This Was Coming<p>While it would have been nice, the notion that I would escape the far reaches of Covid was a fanciful one. </p><p>And as is so often the case with me, it is never a straightforward path from illness to recovery. </p><p>Friday morning I woke up feeling poorly just as Bruce was finishing his full week of being mostly couch- ridden, per his choice. Me, I stay in bed but he just loves the couch! At any rate, my memory is sketchy but what I do remember is on Saturday I asked Bruce to plug in the bedroom television, something we have not even thought to use until now. Nancy suggested I watch a sweet movie, <i>Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. </i>Bruce had prepared something to eat and before he had a chance to clean anything up, he began to help me get settled. One moment I was completely fine and the next I was telling him I had to get to the bathroom, not easy when you are already feeling weak. Things began going downhill fast, with a cascade of events that probably should remain unwritten. Meanwhile my dear husband is holding onto me as I tell him I am passing out. Somehow he got me to the bathroom floor, hollering at me, all the while trying to make me come to. According to him, I was out for 30 seconds which of course sent him into a panic. </p><p>Next he dragged me into the shower and hosed me off while I was still in a cold sweat. He's hollering that he wants to call 911 and I am saying no, let's wait. Meanwhile, he's guided me back to bed on lots of towels where I tried getting ahold of myself to no avail. Well, you already have guessed who won the argument, especially after he called Fallon for advice, meaning Bill, David and even Nancy were urging him to not listen to me! </p><p>Before long the EMTs arrived and the three of them were ever so kind, treating me with the utmost respect. Turns out my blood pressure was only 80/50 on the first reading and even lower yet so it was off to the hospital I went in the back of the ambulance. Their diagnosis of dehydration proved to be the ticket and an IV was started. Now if you have been reading for a while, when I had pneumonia, finding my veins was a very big deal and although the first fellow didn't find it, the second one did and the IV was placed in the top of my hand.</p><p>Not knowing what to expect, Bruce gathered things, like clothes for instance, and other supplies, following the path of the ambulance to Murphy Medical Center, I think about ten miles away. Honestly my nurse Yvette was as nice as she could be although she, not surprisingly, could not get my vein as the blood only trickled out on her first try, leaving me with a pretty big bruise on my arm, I am imagining from taking the Eliquis, but I don't know that for sure. She did a good job on her second attempt, the doctor was good, the second nurse was good and all I have to say is, our experience with a small emergency room was a good one.</p><p>The two bags of fluid improved my blood pressure greatly and we made our way home on that cold, dark night. I did not understand it but the doctor did say they could keep me for observation but would have to transfer me to another facility which did not sound good so our decision was an easy one. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj28FVwtb0nVomt7W730aH1-Fjo6-LeQW5kDrBSwtQw8bYuAyTokHzvhsFphkzeQAZIAX4Ulwbch2tkVElClfLumIlvj8lb4NbkF3ZGs3pEN1iFy1J5XmXwgFTH5t4KmkKZriEQm0XfY-Y1BtbkcPTe2cYWz3D_V7bmz3JZVnQc53SG6cl5xr24C8mFbiw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj28FVwtb0nVomt7W730aH1-Fjo6-LeQW5kDrBSwtQw8bYuAyTokHzvhsFphkzeQAZIAX4Ulwbch2tkVElClfLumIlvj8lb4NbkF3ZGs3pEN1iFy1J5XmXwgFTH5t4KmkKZriEQm0XfY-Y1BtbkcPTe2cYWz3D_V7bmz3JZVnQc53SG6cl5xr24C8mFbiw=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>Upon our return we were aghast at the condition we'd left our sweet cottage. It was as if a bomb went off with stuff everywhere, the counters, the floors, the bed, oh my! The bathroom, holy cow!<p></p><p>Come to think of it, a bomb did go off! <br /><br /></p><p>I've got to be honest with you, until this happened I had largely put Covid out of my mind, going about our daily business with no thought of becoming sick. Apparently one of the folks who we were in close proximity to during the little birthday party at the wine shop tested positive, so perhaps that's where it came from. Fortunately, John and Laura had their boosters and remain Covid-free.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAMIydIAcMguAlYJWR03Pi9U5SKhGKcKheT0gZXvACYjOmwej0lobPMCtWZeQzz3iE6rh8UIZPAPFGBhTKYHFeHXoYYKM72EZ6V21JlMIvuF-XFnBXJy2yfbZ8m7e0-SVZHzH7wiWiynf-uLBqWwgjPtZAVpLAU-sBw-y-sYeMspkosFIozBPAJ7MNHho" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAMIydIAcMguAlYJWR03Pi9U5SKhGKcKheT0gZXvACYjOmwej0lobPMCtWZeQzz3iE6rh8UIZPAPFGBhTKYHFeHXoYYKM72EZ6V21JlMIvuF-XFnBXJy2yfbZ8m7e0-SVZHzH7wiWiynf-uLBqWwgjPtZAVpLAU-sBw-y-sYeMspkosFIozBPAJ7MNHho=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>I've not sat at my computer or looked at my cameras for days now so I am just seeing this photo in particular. John has his hand on his new knee and Laura is listening intently to either Harry or Julie. Or maybe even Julie's sister who presumably we got it from. It feels so weird to think that I might have gotten a photo of the very moment when Covid found us. Hmmm.....<p></p><p>In some ways we have been living in this little bubble of good things happening so these 12 days have been a bit of a wake up call. I am well enough to type this much and Bruce has made his first trip to the gym where I hope he will spend only a very limited time until his strength returns. </p><p>Did I mention it is cold? Yup, very much so, yet still there has been no snow. There have been high winds and plenty of rain too. Not to worry though because the house is well insulated and the fire is warm so that's been super positive. John and Laura have done all manner of kind things for us including a big pot of stew. So we have not faced this alone. </p><p>Praise God from whom all blessings flow!</p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail</p><p> <br /><br /></p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-77852498407024653882024-01-02T12:10:00.001-05:002024-01-02T12:10:17.963-05:00Beginning the New Year in an Unexpected Way<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">What's it been, about three years now that Covid has been around? As our son David has said, you can't hide from Covid and perhaps he is right because it has now found us. </span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsg1zUKg_XSYPUFLx0ZQpud3df4TOjDumWQVCQLTgSUGkR91FDXdo-yUZT9p8twnasRPJRHwsfiVOy0lQuRQYO9hI0xJvX3sOp808uNY6g-a-KkJ0q3J82x03a2207TmaEdCucPeEwzN_cMIS-HpZxO0t40Ud7xi8IndNSnjGYfaKeRQ4dKYcWyjFuHf8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsg1zUKg_XSYPUFLx0ZQpud3df4TOjDumWQVCQLTgSUGkR91FDXdo-yUZT9p8twnasRPJRHwsfiVOy0lQuRQYO9hI0xJvX3sOp808uNY6g-a-KkJ0q3J82x03a2207TmaEdCucPeEwzN_cMIS-HpZxO0t40Ud7xi8IndNSnjGYfaKeRQ4dKYcWyjFuHf8=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Not me which is weird because if anyone in this family is going to be sick it will be me. Reading through the annals of <i>Camera Crazy</i>, between C-diff, pneumonia, two broken wrists, A-fib, colitis and probably other things I've put out of my mind, it is clear that I am the one most likely to not succeed when it comes to illness. Somehow, despite the fact that Bruce has been sick for five days, I have remained Covid-free. If and when it finds me is a mystery, one that countless other families have experienced. Why does one person in a household get it and the other not? Life is definitely full of mysteries. <p></p><p>Last Thursday we went on a little day trip because the sky was clear and it had been far too long since we had gone anywhere just to explore. Recently Laura had mentioned Nantahala Lake as a lovely spot and when I saw we could get there by using Junaluska Road, a gorgeous drive, that was the ticket. I love the way to Andrews; the valley looks different on every occasion we have had the pleasure of driving through it. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZoWBmzuAVgdYPGbUijGfxK4Aq1T6O9-cYTvRXdymQszVIpD_eNQFr2Ypm4gj1f-H-5n_xi9S2Af6QqMH1YSpmCZdO398XJB6MzzFLs5ir2GQVrJ3Cd-PdbzE2MkvCDVdlS6bh0MuFbiWZ10NIN-Y6lfSvYjZ4h-muMCUOWcER7mxxwNDYaaHm-t_34Go" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZoWBmzuAVgdYPGbUijGfxK4Aq1T6O9-cYTvRXdymQszVIpD_eNQFr2Ypm4gj1f-H-5n_xi9S2Af6QqMH1YSpmCZdO398XJB6MzzFLs5ir2GQVrJ3Cd-PdbzE2MkvCDVdlS6bh0MuFbiWZ10NIN-Y6lfSvYjZ4h-muMCUOWcER7mxxwNDYaaHm-t_34Go=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Whether it be the clouds, or lack thereof, the fields, the mountains or the trees, I am always so delighted to be in the midst of it. While living in Vancouver I fell in love with mountains, so being amidst them makes me very happy! <p></p><p>Loads of folks have done whitewater rafting trips on the Nantahala River but few have seen the lake from which the water flows. Duke Energy built the reservoir during WWII to provide power for the Alcoa Aluminum plant to make planes for the war effort. That is a very succinct account of the place, but enough information to make looking at the photograph a little more interesting. Unlike most of the reservoirs around here, this one is owned by Duke Energy rather than the TVA. The brilliant blue sky that day made the water look as blue as blue can be.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwngoDxRvbU0-Yby0lPmDRb0sVVAHVanIiXpigq_1q7c_sPkHgoIc-NOUNMU7cfCT7Umi9AJ0PYdNZ1_qx_KJlCNW9Km32GVcbJHF8GPYUAkuCQUvxb_zsarHdmlmc1fy06DD6tixcgg8oRl4pCXOoyv_jQSypwcQHdeRZjpMgs_D9OvfIJGgKukcec5Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3195" data-original-width="3969" height="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwngoDxRvbU0-Yby0lPmDRb0sVVAHVanIiXpigq_1q7c_sPkHgoIc-NOUNMU7cfCT7Umi9AJ0PYdNZ1_qx_KJlCNW9Km32GVcbJHF8GPYUAkuCQUvxb_zsarHdmlmc1fy06DD6tixcgg8oRl4pCXOoyv_jQSypwcQHdeRZjpMgs_D9OvfIJGgKukcec5Y=w640-h515" width="640" /></a></div>More to this story another day, but one thing I can report is that when we drove back through Andrews on our way home, we were going to eat lunch at the Hoppy Trout, however, it was not open so instead we ate at Sage where we had a lovely lunch which we were calling my birthday lunch as it was but days away. Turns out that was a fortuitous decision. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlW5yuYC7WNDQnignhHwhE1Syo8IsgD5mmX1HObTGlXvU3_sXWxsl_5Rtv2ql5jCbZw3eNYVcivsfAHtYDeOBTuA9jjBYlWPiuLPiVRnHrSJ3p2vbO9SZOuSr81Vvr8PFEmj1g9oBhcjAiCgfVu3Ds8tbni29A65EQ2FM_tt7Dm1rW4cE-IlfNF5c_6jE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlW5yuYC7WNDQnignhHwhE1Syo8IsgD5mmX1HObTGlXvU3_sXWxsl_5Rtv2ql5jCbZw3eNYVcivsfAHtYDeOBTuA9jjBYlWPiuLPiVRnHrSJ3p2vbO9SZOuSr81Vvr8PFEmj1g9oBhcjAiCgfVu3Ds8tbni29A65EQ2FM_tt7Dm1rW4cE-IlfNF5c_6jE=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>It is a wonder that they have made it a year but that they have. Not because the food is not delicious and creative mind you but because the town is still finding it's way after some very down years. <p></p><p> This appetizer of smoked red grits, goat cheese and a red pepper reduction was fabulous.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1aHJybcyvsgRMFfo-rK-4I79wFbbK43TnzjmfZKxQpwiQZ3S9LBsTYzwOK-wUdtSUFP5GCedsaIzIkQxqBMfkCG8d_Htx7v6kk79sU4r2ITmoR9ZpMVsRRn41g_bSO2ZPAcsuK9_rIywk_4zxORGFcsSklt2VmWJIrq_BLI_zMUT4rKTK6Gy4_4VWx50" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1aHJybcyvsgRMFfo-rK-4I79wFbbK43TnzjmfZKxQpwiQZ3S9LBsTYzwOK-wUdtSUFP5GCedsaIzIkQxqBMfkCG8d_Htx7v6kk79sU4r2ITmoR9ZpMVsRRn41g_bSO2ZPAcsuK9_rIywk_4zxORGFcsSklt2VmWJIrq_BLI_zMUT4rKTK6Gy4_4VWx50=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Bruce's shrimp and grits, as well as my pork chop, were outstanding. I had to laugh when I noticed the name of the wine he selected. There is a joke around here that he is not a pessimist but a realist! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF-EerZ8XzF1vo9vovbpVx7kSHlgkvzt2VUzgT9eInnK3XMbim4FYEO-PGQBXH6JTEGhvV9wgrxYzgfsA-wN6iLkd165co_0TWZ-f6UTfhJwn6XO-wrR-Y6hRTlpdkD5tYPtp0bvtJoSv2eLolAbi1Lwrsz1_m52OhSwY36aUDGJRiqFCFkOP1WjiAuJU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF-EerZ8XzF1vo9vovbpVx7kSHlgkvzt2VUzgT9eInnK3XMbim4FYEO-PGQBXH6JTEGhvV9wgrxYzgfsA-wN6iLkd165co_0TWZ-f6UTfhJwn6XO-wrR-Y6hRTlpdkD5tYPtp0bvtJoSv2eLolAbi1Lwrsz1_m52OhSwY36aUDGJRiqFCFkOP1WjiAuJU=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>The remainder of this lovely bottle is still in our cupboard because one of the wine drinkers in this family has been seriously under the weather. The following morning we awoke to a crazy cold temperature reading, however, being the pickleball enthusiasts that we are, clothes were piled on and off we went to the courts where there were but a few other hardy souls. A pb friend had warned me that snow was in the forecast, but could that really be true? Well, flurries anyway.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqUbo9ZeYigXxZSbVfIhLWzq6sBHspwgtLds55j68LypakmO6DMXYOJNFOb-UgDpiX_Zv_YkFPVUiTVQrkDH0wU7q9Q_luVPVxcY-WVJO1D0B929W6H8JNlisA5PlVxd1pWwVcrSv9IBsIh_ht26JEXzUtpe6WjGUKO1HNVx6iHyiue8IaDctG5-D3wH8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqUbo9ZeYigXxZSbVfIhLWzq6sBHspwgtLds55j68LypakmO6DMXYOJNFOb-UgDpiX_Zv_YkFPVUiTVQrkDH0wU7q9Q_luVPVxcY-WVJO1D0B929W6H8JNlisA5PlVxd1pWwVcrSv9IBsIh_ht26JEXzUtpe6WjGUKO1HNVx6iHyiue8IaDctG5-D3wH8=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Because another person showed up, I opted out, leaving Bruce to play one game with the other hardy souls. God bless him, he struggled through to point 11, but afterwards he told the group, I can hardly move my body aches so much. Well, at the time we were thinking, heck yea you hurt because of the cold. If only that were true. We popped into Ingles for a few things and upon returning to our sweet rented house, Bruce laid on the couch and has been there ever since.<p></p><p>It should be noted how highly unusual this is and maybe it accounts for why he has been so sick. HE NEVER gets sick. In his entire working life he missed maybe two days? I think one of those was for a kidney stone decades ago? Thank goodness for college bowl games, such as they were, because otherwise it would have been like a tomb around here, what with him sleeping the days away! And yes, I watched every minute of the massacre that Florida State endured at the hands of Georgia. No words!</p><p>When Bruce was awake, our birdie friends provided a modicum of entertainment as the feeder is just outside the living room window.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvRVpuU7DRI5YOXR7_TiOZxu88FX824FhqT0nLYH-bABF_flTiUKG2anvWVSrRg-eI4oEh5zxAP0CuHDpttGMt6Ub-XU1Z0Zwdbz7BICtvKLNT5xLz4zRQal2K2jWKtN7y-dx21412L8vDh9JnGWhe0h9gxNjRDO7GzieZ7RBwlnwd9GGSJyhQvymAEL4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2288" data-original-width="3666" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvRVpuU7DRI5YOXR7_TiOZxu88FX824FhqT0nLYH-bABF_flTiUKG2anvWVSrRg-eI4oEh5zxAP0CuHDpttGMt6Ub-XU1Z0Zwdbz7BICtvKLNT5xLz4zRQal2K2jWKtN7y-dx21412L8vDh9JnGWhe0h9gxNjRDO7GzieZ7RBwlnwd9GGSJyhQvymAEL4=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></div>As most of you know, Sunday was my 70th birthday and I will admit to having had better ones. On the other hand, it has been a pleasure taking care of Bruce for a change, rather than the other way around! Saturday I received not one, but two, gorgeous floral arrangements, one from David and Michelle and one from Matt and Tom. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_x8rDfjw7_IkRW5QMINIBHlbAGIgZ7-9xqIPNHVhSxFHUpShwd0uv2W42mZ3vi_AlLK-YfbRcQSjJmmKg8zVbKUfSuPj7ocVyocRPAJV7p4VZ-Bf9G7m_sBPC6cfbK3ED9yOIM-ZK9huh7j4XxhofmCe-vh1ZSCdad9AwgrKGk9wfSrFbQkjcw1EWufk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_x8rDfjw7_IkRW5QMINIBHlbAGIgZ7-9xqIPNHVhSxFHUpShwd0uv2W42mZ3vi_AlLK-YfbRcQSjJmmKg8zVbKUfSuPj7ocVyocRPAJV7p4VZ-Bf9G7m_sBPC6cfbK3ED9yOIM-ZK9huh7j4XxhofmCe-vh1ZSCdad9AwgrKGk9wfSrFbQkjcw1EWufk=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>They are absolutely gorgeous and are brightening up our cold winter days like nobodies business. That said, there have been several deer herd sightings which always makes us happy and after some gloomy days, the sky is brilliant blue once again. This morning would be one of those days, well actually New Year's day was gorgeous as well, albeit never getting above 40 degrees! I made lots of soft foods for Bruce including a lovely corn chowder which with all the color in it should be called confetti chowder!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzOsBHaApcrNizrH1brv9rlqiAZKagznSTxLitbVgUSrPVdvrBQKoEEyrs-6DcdSfaimRcTAC3ZPfDc7JinB1Kp5K9siDreexS8yIzSOG7w3QGHfoZ8njWSox6Tehbzbc-ooe8s-gJoE4ZDqt-KLJfdJhy3fHDVjX5CVElBXzfDcj_ZlWZk0k6LZLf-QE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzOsBHaApcrNizrH1brv9rlqiAZKagznSTxLitbVgUSrPVdvrBQKoEEyrs-6DcdSfaimRcTAC3ZPfDc7JinB1Kp5K9siDreexS8yIzSOG7w3QGHfoZ8njWSox6Tehbzbc-ooe8s-gJoE4ZDqt-KLJfdJhy3fHDVjX5CVElBXzfDcj_ZlWZk0k6LZLf-QE=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Here's a darling little tea towel Matt got me for Christmas, a throwback to days gone by. I use this phrase on each new day that it is sunny!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3a_EkvM7S0ax4ezNf5qovpvTq_egQuGbsPJrqaWn_rViTQ0t2RpvuFJp2AsvcEnbV9auzxp1zwi2W6_jzHqmNcLm9LrZuJIZ1qhspn1tip08f_zyL2eMkPGo_zlvEV3KXrYgc0K48JYBt1HoT9QWQTGhZXIzXzPxT5apoMEocxtNvHSxeeQy_WfwQw2U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3a_EkvM7S0ax4ezNf5qovpvTq_egQuGbsPJrqaWn_rViTQ0t2RpvuFJp2AsvcEnbV9auzxp1zwi2W6_jzHqmNcLm9LrZuJIZ1qhspn1tip08f_zyL2eMkPGo_zlvEV3KXrYgc0K48JYBt1HoT9QWQTGhZXIzXzPxT5apoMEocxtNvHSxeeQy_WfwQw2U=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Showing that oven photo reminds me of two things. One, although the Yorkshire puddings were a baking success, the oven was a literal disaster due to flying grease which is now cleaned up. Apparently most people are either not cleaning their ovens, or they have self cleaning ones because the choices at Walmart were few and on the very bottom shelf. The young man I had helping me probably thought to himself, "I am so sick of these old people who can never find a thing!" Secondly, the cake disaster prompted me to wonder about the oven temperature which subsequently prompted me to buy an oven thermometer. Sure as the world, it is not correct. When it claims to be preheated it is 50 degrees less, then, after a time it gets hotter than the set temperature. Now I know and can act accordingly. Whether I will attempt to make another cake anytime soon is another story! <p></p><p>I know it will surprise you to see me back at this typing thing so soon after the my last post but this story begged to be told. We are praying that any day now Bruce will return to his rock-solid self again and for me, it won't be a moment too soon as I miss him!</p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail</p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-59442641079026809382023-12-29T14:30:00.000-05:002023-12-29T14:30:01.217-05:00The Most Wonderful Time of the Year<p>We did it!! Christmas has come and gone and although our family was absent in body, Facetime saved the day with us spending hour after hour chatting over/into (?) our screens. I started to write that we have been alone before, but shame on me for that because while we were in Vancouver, Matt and Tom visited for Christmas. Read <a href="https://gpeck.blogspot.com/2017/12/days-one-and-day-two.html">about that here</a>. I just read it myself and that was a fun reminder of another cold Christmas, relatively speaking. Actually it was in the 50's on Christmas day, but we have had a multitude of dreary days which just makes it feel colder. </p><p>Guess what?? There were snow flurries this morning, beginning when we arrived for pickleball at 9AM wearing many layers of clothes to ward off the chill. Our first hint of snow!! Allegedly, more might come throughout today which is slated to only go up to 38 degrees!!! </p><p>Our pickleball friend Cobby along with his wife Diane organized a ministry at church whereby twice a month lunch a free lunch is served in the fellowship hall. Of course we would like to help with the Christmas feast! The man who did the majority of the cooking the day before is pictured in the black top hat on the right hand side of the picture. Two turkeys and three ham along with sides! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsDBkbiQZuhu-RvHEoJcJ34AL1zHIanZMFk8MEkeieUwvCEjTud4MrL6-dlo4LYIzATOS99bFQkhZN5h6mWO6dEAM2ClSICTA1-BEbDrHh8-wDTM-oI7n0UL84gkem0K_xyY3Mx_Mx2-kBdbpMCEjEIGK4B2MB-W0lyIIG6PbnUrv0B2qZEdy7XeAHAFo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4248" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsDBkbiQZuhu-RvHEoJcJ34AL1zHIanZMFk8MEkeieUwvCEjTud4MrL6-dlo4LYIzATOS99bFQkhZN5h6mWO6dEAM2ClSICTA1-BEbDrHh8-wDTM-oI7n0UL84gkem0K_xyY3Mx_Mx2-kBdbpMCEjEIGK4B2MB-W0lyIIG6PbnUrv0B2qZEdy7XeAHAFo=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>In the foreground those folks, one of whom I am confidant you recognize, kept the food flowing to the gathered group. Pastor Will, seated with his back to us, is chatting with the mayor of Murphy, pictured in the tie.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKvvpc7mDdmb2NIwzjHdLEMd6i-IxM5u1EOilgKRiqFvMQfdHCPS1q-j-JLhZGQY00cHdxfxoZE4vJ2jQ2BlQ62P2o0RB9QbEZbum9KH_Viq6yxL8Cn2FI5lxADXpdD7LNhovv6Hqqbq7y5L6D5hTXxz7VCkzzuN4sONa6nBaoJKqLY2AF4DDxwdybmCg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKvvpc7mDdmb2NIwzjHdLEMd6i-IxM5u1EOilgKRiqFvMQfdHCPS1q-j-JLhZGQY00cHdxfxoZE4vJ2jQ2BlQ62P2o0RB9QbEZbum9KH_Viq6yxL8Cn2FI5lxADXpdD7LNhovv6Hqqbq7y5L6D5hTXxz7VCkzzuN4sONa6nBaoJKqLY2AF4DDxwdybmCg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>As for Will, he seems to be a really nice young pastor with three lovely children. He's youngish, they are really young! His wife is a gem too. We really liked our tiny church, but there are just more opportunities for service here at the Methodist church that has been the centerpiece of downtown for more than 100 years.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTfmZQDnyw5St7VYsWTXbvJQtStt2nobweXArmmh2uZkdCL0wJWZtqwU_uUr6t0CHrn1-pOutgi-4xirG5hICuKbQtIMAiuNaPqSw2BdyVeN2W-bJyIPn6ufBA3w0Zepyi16CoLMicEBHgxEfBs8UJCUQKLBwBoWK99abXFNAhlMWPlqKf4xEoZcZmEBA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTfmZQDnyw5St7VYsWTXbvJQtStt2nobweXArmmh2uZkdCL0wJWZtqwU_uUr6t0CHrn1-pOutgi-4xirG5hICuKbQtIMAiuNaPqSw2BdyVeN2W-bJyIPn6ufBA3w0Zepyi16CoLMicEBHgxEfBs8UJCUQKLBwBoWK99abXFNAhlMWPlqKf4xEoZcZmEBA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>That would be you-know-who's shadow on that bright, sunny afternoon. The sky seems to be either a clear and crisp blue, or a dull grey. So far at least anyway. <p></p><p>Back to what is called "Soul Table" your favorite blogger was meant to be a greeter and chatter, both of which play to her strengths, wouldn't you say? Santa came to hand out small gifts as well as pose for photos. Cobby and Diane below.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaTjSMF66lrpQ-1UzLNJIzM1e1QYbrasB2DxG--7VCAmzS20JlFT4e8-MrzwCY-XCxOoi5t92fFBUHKz1fZ_jHq7Rvg8eNK63EUUOf4lRtMYEOHaatM3djxUjJ13HPpQCcXp5A-Ujfs-mHxSivt5JpUc4UGUtkQlRZ0xxw29Yr_OqQVjbtK7Iyt4YQJ7U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaTjSMF66lrpQ-1UzLNJIzM1e1QYbrasB2DxG--7VCAmzS20JlFT4e8-MrzwCY-XCxOoi5t92fFBUHKz1fZ_jHq7Rvg8eNK63EUUOf4lRtMYEOHaatM3djxUjJ13HPpQCcXp5A-Ujfs-mHxSivt5JpUc4UGUtkQlRZ0xxw29Yr_OqQVjbtK7Iyt4YQJ7U=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div>Not only did they invite us to an event the likes of which we had never attended, they drove us there as well. Meeting up in the community college parking lot near Brasstown, Cobby drove us to Crane Creek Vineyard to meet up with other pickleball friends for a Winter Solstice event. Because we were so busy during the summer, I never even wrote about this beautiful winery with stunning mountain views and what turns out to be surprisingly good wine. Even though the sky was dreary that day, here's a look at what we saw in July.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS3M0vPrbxHryi80QJU2Ung2xUo6OK1auVJImLTrnfotzx47-lxow4UEtprXJVuSk1HKVBiwlqirzoiOcsmMMQ4b8GfYXZa9YPnPlA2WIcBY410OzoVpS7Qz1RhEFR_s5wr7yTW0FMzN3DIynmi_lR-IY__LQaXWXAz2fLY0h7FBrp-YebbIerJoQHtuY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS3M0vPrbxHryi80QJU2Ung2xUo6OK1auVJImLTrnfotzx47-lxow4UEtprXJVuSk1HKVBiwlqirzoiOcsmMMQ4b8GfYXZa9YPnPlA2WIcBY410OzoVpS7Qz1RhEFR_s5wr7yTW0FMzN3DIynmi_lR-IY__LQaXWXAz2fLY0h7FBrp-YebbIerJoQHtuY" width="640" /></a></div>Note the barn on the bottom left that looks like this up close!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEjCdQtccz6I9ptT4r-K9tbukV8BsA21uPT_IE15Q6exsr8J4R7TleKCQwz1AFfcYe9O8k7Cvolh3aOvsQkr3JVC6ktVklwVR-FdXAkw3dXLI4QPvNHQbSz4wiaAdlW0XWYhV4iSv9EiU4E2e71Ur_Ajifw3rPW-yfALsVFp-k5i24BXHGpuUZLv-UPmE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEjCdQtccz6I9ptT4r-K9tbukV8BsA21uPT_IE15Q6exsr8J4R7TleKCQwz1AFfcYe9O8k7Cvolh3aOvsQkr3JVC6ktVklwVR-FdXAkw3dXLI4QPvNHQbSz4wiaAdlW0XWYhV4iSv9EiU4E2e71Ur_Ajifw3rPW-yfALsVFp-k5i24BXHGpuUZLv-UPmE=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>In other words, this Florida gal has a hard time wrapping her head around how different things look in the winter. I know I sound like a broken record, but it can't be helped my dear readers. It was one thing living in a city and watching winter transform the landscape, but out here in the country is a whole other ballgame! Anyway, we had no idea what to expect, in part because I have rarely given much thought to the longest night/shortest day of the year. Apparently l<a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/12/21/788997324/happy-winter-solstice-at-last-weve-made-it-to-the-shortest-day">ots of folks have</a> as many traditions associated with the first day of Winter have sprung up over the centuries. Perhaps because it hardly exists in Florida? <p></p><p>We met up with our friends who had already brought chairs and a prime spot next to the roaring fire.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyNLUaIFODdw3eM6RmixuqEzAMlCNH3MuBabsiOZGd7KJMYXTowMFs94hldvRlHPQzSg3ZhMO7v0QoK9TctxbRtwRSxJYCM_UO2yCy-ChTRibDNlkgO-TW83Ji9Q4J5K_WVkAUYu7W3vb7pVaVZw_q0EB6_YcCh11ReGwzheDNHqwCPen2OpeukRx2jRA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyNLUaIFODdw3eM6RmixuqEzAMlCNH3MuBabsiOZGd7KJMYXTowMFs94hldvRlHPQzSg3ZhMO7v0QoK9TctxbRtwRSxJYCM_UO2yCy-ChTRibDNlkgO-TW83Ji9Q4J5K_WVkAUYu7W3vb7pVaVZw_q0EB6_YcCh11ReGwzheDNHqwCPen2OpeukRx2jRA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Of all things, although I was worried beforehand about being too cold, between the fire and the milder temperature, we were very comfortable indeed. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihLdtldAqnAjyPVJCvNUn4Hb1q-c3e_KF4aVb12dLUHhgQTUvcfclP4eCm8-ISIXABQbXfXBfHImSuBFjNpoyGTD3uEZXaQ6HaDw7PZ17XzIjeWH_tEJMkvhrnRP_96Zxd1d-WLDphVHgmsRL6epfRFViTQVt2Lp1glTjQlOH7WHtieG-jyL4BobddUe0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihLdtldAqnAjyPVJCvNUn4Hb1q-c3e_KF4aVb12dLUHhgQTUvcfclP4eCm8-ISIXABQbXfXBfHImSuBFjNpoyGTD3uEZXaQ6HaDw7PZ17XzIjeWH_tEJMkvhrnRP_96Zxd1d-WLDphVHgmsRL6epfRFViTQVt2Lp1glTjQlOH7WHtieG-jyL4BobddUe0=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Not only did they have a couple entertaining the crowd, a wonderful chili with toppings galore to choose from was served for free. Baby saltines were a bonus!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjt0TMLfLg9EID1dQmn14Tbr_11FCtZR8LAu0u58sb0yodOnQX5Pc0m6s5U3oiDJCW0Lrq4uA7JIayTCEsKJsBkpAsnGZwwaQNwcilha20-rARWc2Yne6gbxisBuMDeOafa7jX_x71e_SUvFkP2IXGYJqN3TJ10HdBvU6Kku1B01I8fAXCUao_9UV4pgT8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3260" data-original-width="4342" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjt0TMLfLg9EID1dQmn14Tbr_11FCtZR8LAu0u58sb0yodOnQX5Pc0m6s5U3oiDJCW0Lrq4uA7JIayTCEsKJsBkpAsnGZwwaQNwcilha20-rARWc2Yne6gbxisBuMDeOafa7jX_x71e_SUvFkP2IXGYJqN3TJ10HdBvU6Kku1B01I8fAXCUao_9UV4pgT8=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The biggest event of the night occurred just after sunset when a huge bonfire down by the lake was lit with sparks flying high in the air. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_I1YIawbrIY1L0hii-YV-HkP3sWMIDUqbbNKo3zkA_Ftqg_Ku68KgROJdVoGiZxIcQOfaghxD9vhI8kW4-0QepdXRVfCot1McrKwdoBMmv9b_iGNMqQanivXnxmZ6c0ujfu7m8xJL1xMQD1e8bjk_hyysQQKc-cvMqrdGSwOoZKtsriy4M7Rj2nWIVnE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_I1YIawbrIY1L0hii-YV-HkP3sWMIDUqbbNKo3zkA_Ftqg_Ku68KgROJdVoGiZxIcQOfaghxD9vhI8kW4-0QepdXRVfCot1McrKwdoBMmv9b_iGNMqQanivXnxmZ6c0ujfu7m8xJL1xMQD1e8bjk_hyysQQKc-cvMqrdGSwOoZKtsriy4M7Rj2nWIVnE=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Bruce and I made our way down the lighted path, getting close to the raging fire.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-NKtdnvTvDEJ-83ogSDgfziDubNe5wQp6NuaWXrSmmrFv_Jve16jRU8W5wneaNOlOHkrzxliQ-zPFJAgQPREtRShlGtUIsqiLNN7H3tlvFD-qtPRLkkg2YKuO6_HbCtwaNvI_V_gFqs8Xqx8-jF52DzqMNog1fcX00uJ_vQB9WRsccMC6eXATya4h2Sk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-NKtdnvTvDEJ-83ogSDgfziDubNe5wQp6NuaWXrSmmrFv_Jve16jRU8W5wneaNOlOHkrzxliQ-zPFJAgQPREtRShlGtUIsqiLNN7H3tlvFD-qtPRLkkg2YKuO6_HbCtwaNvI_V_gFqs8Xqx8-jF52DzqMNog1fcX00uJ_vQB9WRsccMC6eXATya4h2Sk" width="639" /></a></div>It won't surprise you in the least to learn that we met some Florida folks there will it? Should you be in North Georgia I highly recommend visiting <a href="https://cranecreekvineyards.com/">Crane Creek Vineyards</a>! <p></p><p>In other news, one morning it was so cold the pond had a little ice.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrHuWDXyu2SwhWmM_xRTvzyyF52_ahVGpOIPMDadiUOOr_AiJI239QoBcu3W-GwWlT_cK3ewVhgcuv0UOFM9ZMJ7NKHV-GFy65N2Fu5fC596jVbS4iqqrl83mwOVr7VL4Vw7j5UEh1V-7PMH-tFUQP932-rR5ex-1WYMt6pDSBZe4148-U5E_kxsSiKSI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrHuWDXyu2SwhWmM_xRTvzyyF52_ahVGpOIPMDadiUOOr_AiJI239QoBcu3W-GwWlT_cK3ewVhgcuv0UOFM9ZMJ7NKHV-GFy65N2Fu5fC596jVbS4iqqrl83mwOVr7VL4Vw7j5UEh1V-7PMH-tFUQP932-rR5ex-1WYMt6pDSBZe4148-U5E_kxsSiKSI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I am absolutely thrilled to have finally gotten a good shot of the Eastern Towhee.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxV9wTiayXc4OqR0jcaG_HHN_v_S79N0_B1QsPbPRUl92OzR76C-vFf4fNWsHz50WoaJn2NX9ktRP42NPAcepriDF3LAdQ-D0SOa6DiNH0s7g5GUhjbvVfm5obhZkHkfEVDw-SMWbRVQU2H71CpGEv3Jf__VI3EezShQi6YY-j4jTB4wtHN9PVLkfkHEM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxV9wTiayXc4OqR0jcaG_HHN_v_S79N0_B1QsPbPRUl92OzR76C-vFf4fNWsHz50WoaJn2NX9ktRP42NPAcepriDF3LAdQ-D0SOa6DiNH0s7g5GUhjbvVfm5obhZkHkfEVDw-SMWbRVQU2H71CpGEv3Jf__VI3EezShQi6YY-j4jTB4wtHN9PVLkfkHEM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Isn't it just a super bird? Speaking of birds, we visited Blue Ridge last fall, visiting a wonderful shop with all things related to wild birds. Think heated bird baths, for example. Well, the week before Christmas another trip to BR was planned to shop at T.J. Maxx and while we were there we drove by the shops that recently burned, one of which was that bird shop!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip-dna5YYXASJ7aH9_oZM2zwzlEnNg01IeXT-K-GB3arGqq4LW-WwHdfo-XFUrIPoULOZSwuTi7P9RK3O5bRw0i92RaxuGiL4IEIpF9jtdihhTOSfjxwqxYtq5C4KD8eG2u56neXlDeW9ngNIxYdut5paRrJvsn0hMa9KPU6l9C9rNvigfEkkgic94Qrs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip-dna5YYXASJ7aH9_oZM2zwzlEnNg01IeXT-K-GB3arGqq4LW-WwHdfo-XFUrIPoULOZSwuTi7P9RK3O5bRw0i92RaxuGiL4IEIpF9jtdihhTOSfjxwqxYtq5C4KD8eG2u56neXlDeW9ngNIxYdut5paRrJvsn0hMa9KPU6l9C9rNvigfEkkgic94Qrs" width="640" /></a></div>There are those amongst you that have visited that darling town and will recognize this area. According to news reports, at least six businesses burned, most with nothing salvaged.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibkoy9A4_tX5MeA7jH_PXW-l590p3LgMR8ZcDm7y-BS8SsCJ9VDr4VGf_IPYF_hbLFaMhd29sR7BIsGC7AKZVMVgRajTOA83X1B5fD7rOOV6YFDy8svXxIjswNl7whELAvHXSgE5fu_mDR__DW-tTzV01C-dua31-iLpJjat-0Pul4HEYV1X_T89s5Pbg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibkoy9A4_tX5MeA7jH_PXW-l590p3LgMR8ZcDm7y-BS8SsCJ9VDr4VGf_IPYF_hbLFaMhd29sR7BIsGC7AKZVMVgRajTOA83X1B5fD7rOOV6YFDy8svXxIjswNl7whELAvHXSgE5fu_mDR__DW-tTzV01C-dua31-iLpJjat-0Pul4HEYV1X_T89s5Pbg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The absolute worst part? Many of the shop owners were uninsured. π’<p></p><p>Woo hoo!! I tried the Yorkshire Pudding recipe from my new <i>Joy of Cooking! </i>Lo and behold, it worked!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhm0bGrK2Vj3sezKutE4se8FBZHCqFktH16nvx70m1ts9TMovmwWlEhZgCzhOZBjw6b6Rvwd9CYCalGMJe5u8Sb6o74LK1wFt8tvnAeLMGG1fwjRVaSSJTlIwd2krgcug3hMAI6cWtHD-Eha9hKFqIkHatvrijo4kH5hVXsQvyBmWiNUCrbOzuubETsoMM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhm0bGrK2Vj3sezKutE4se8FBZHCqFktH16nvx70m1ts9TMovmwWlEhZgCzhOZBjw6b6Rvwd9CYCalGMJe5u8Sb6o74LK1wFt8tvnAeLMGG1fwjRVaSSJTlIwd2krgcug3hMAI6cWtHD-Eha9hKFqIkHatvrijo4kH5hVXsQvyBmWiNUCrbOzuubETsoMM" width="639" /></a></div>I was pleased as punch that the prime rib turned out beautifully, as did the roasted asparagus and scalloped potatoes. The desert, however, was, well, while not a complete flop, pretty darn close to it! Bruce expressed alarm when I replied in the affirmative that I intended to show you the flop, but not wanting you to get any ideas that most things I do are good, of course I will show it. That said, it is rare that a cake does not perform as planned. It started with me thinking we would make a pecan pie for dessert. Oh wait, we gave the rolling pin back to John and they are in Asheville. (btw, an Amazon gift card has since changed that) So, because I have buttermilk in the fridge, let's go for a chocolate cake made using strong coffee as one of the ingredients. Why I put it in this angle food cake pan is beyond me. Because I am well aware of how it can leak out of the bottom I placed it on my new jellyroll pan purchased at T.J.Maxx. Whether that was my first mistake is hard to know, but when I pulled it out of the oven and it looked like this I knew things were not going as planned. Sadly the evidence is blurry but thankfully we cannot go back in time for a re-take! That ring like thing in the middle is quite chewy.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0P1AYX4XTeTZuXzt6jZpH46xhx2FsQH8xqoV7t6mTxNnL2DxVzP2omxXnDSRAcB-9qd5sDfiZ626iIwh4KSii1yFNtyM4h3umAvsWk6eF0ELq7v2bWK8DFgtfQqmPlZ-nBuCCGCVzFIXfKjp57SeyshnKs6pL1t6oG5D540N6leAd_zXpSpvU1r6vFi8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0P1AYX4XTeTZuXzt6jZpH46xhx2FsQH8xqoV7t6mTxNnL2DxVzP2omxXnDSRAcB-9qd5sDfiZ626iIwh4KSii1yFNtyM4h3umAvsWk6eF0ELq7v2bWK8DFgtfQqmPlZ-nBuCCGCVzFIXfKjp57SeyshnKs6pL1t6oG5D540N6leAd_zXpSpvU1r6vFi8=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Getting it out of the pan was an adventure, but eventually we have what I am calling, "a cake in four parts" that while it looks pretty terrible, actually tastes fantastic!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9SpxwTkTz5tCUnmR7antPmrvFmAqSijFqa9o7TxN_8RW6fPTTQtU6GjNBZiXm_DidcZCqeFzZx1zglKdN9blSvXa2L6ZRus9aAl4VoDiMhUTAoXjXmcVijhUs2Knle_IOmJVbeDthplcQ8w7WCo2hOGlIzEgVcb6VwS9YsfOpROIP6XsIGa0r-raTlMA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9SpxwTkTz5tCUnmR7antPmrvFmAqSijFqa9o7TxN_8RW6fPTTQtU6GjNBZiXm_DidcZCqeFzZx1zglKdN9blSvXa2L6ZRus9aAl4VoDiMhUTAoXjXmcVijhUs2Knle_IOmJVbeDthplcQ8w7WCo2hOGlIzEgVcb6VwS9YsfOpROIP6XsIGa0r-raTlMA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The powdered sugar covers, what our late mother would say, a "multitude of sins!" I guess another way to describe the cake would be "deconstructed"? Sounds pretty modern, right? The good news is it will last until my birthday!<p></p><p>I have, however, gotten way ahead of myself because I left out something that was really, really special to us this year. Most years we have good intentions of going to church on Christmas Eve, but rarely do we follow through for one reason or another. This year we made sure to get there in time for the 30 minute handbell concert preceding the service. All was pretty darn quiet in Murphy when we arrived.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjA4ig_oUhIOtn5j_Vc2J-hYJnGRkaVcqUymDQkfYhDPBQ6IB2p-USiFqLS-Pvz0HsrfGACYNdExH7gok4rRCmYmbAXW_b1Aubk1T-Ytmk-Fg_B2QdRk4eurwO8-v6B-uKbRobKj5o1nROGhBfDSp5IxFSeVpW_scvdxVy93TwEMKp7dL6c5wHpjqBrkl8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjA4ig_oUhIOtn5j_Vc2J-hYJnGRkaVcqUymDQkfYhDPBQ6IB2p-USiFqLS-Pvz0HsrfGACYNdExH7gok4rRCmYmbAXW_b1Aubk1T-Ytmk-Fg_B2QdRk4eurwO8-v6B-uKbRobKj5o1nROGhBfDSp5IxFSeVpW_scvdxVy93TwEMKp7dL6c5wHpjqBrkl8=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The church looked magical in the candlelight.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCa4q6JyRAabMa-Ywnsn9JaG2htz54Cb31tIA-xAzIPI4bAfyDbdr48qZQFdHAd94UMe8XJXTgfHppA1XxbPnS0cO17G2HJtlnOROob7_d8HtZ2p3vt8NFjVTbSIL6qPBQE2sIVUxu7kZT5X4x-jYRyUjPhPh5Z5YnGq50pdahGAJCr6LxqKyz3qmsJ3s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCa4q6JyRAabMa-Ywnsn9JaG2htz54Cb31tIA-xAzIPI4bAfyDbdr48qZQFdHAd94UMe8XJXTgfHppA1XxbPnS0cO17G2HJtlnOROob7_d8HtZ2p3vt8NFjVTbSIL6qPBQE2sIVUxu7kZT5X4x-jYRyUjPhPh5Z5YnGq50pdahGAJCr6LxqKyz3qmsJ3s=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Our seat afforded us a close up of Suzanne playing the piano and let me tell you, it was a blessing and just plain delightful hearing the old carols played from such close proximity.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBWkL0A_i-ffhRBc5egDpuSUSpxaoIPzL3Sfl4Z--HofiZzw6aDxp-Cch0iYsdUiRxeELGqqVHi6AkYdQm6f33zhLmbCNEhd3Ao-_Pv0_AGnfKffaBxb-e6j9B1SJNN9R4uC9GEgl1ZEoP8gyuE6hhYk4tLSyHkf8QD7ahNchglct4gjabVsxIGWfJPb4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBWkL0A_i-ffhRBc5egDpuSUSpxaoIPzL3Sfl4Z--HofiZzw6aDxp-Cch0iYsdUiRxeELGqqVHi6AkYdQm6f33zhLmbCNEhd3Ao-_Pv0_AGnfKffaBxb-e6j9B1SJNN9R4uC9GEgl1ZEoP8gyuE6hhYk4tLSyHkf8QD7ahNchglct4gjabVsxIGWfJPb4=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>When the lights were really turned down low, and candles were lit one from another, with the sweet music of Silent Night being sung, well folks, it was good. It was very, very good. To tell you the truth, any other wonderful happening, such as talking to all of our family, was just icing on the cake. <p></p><p>Speaking of icing on the cake, my eyes welled up, as is my wont when I get sentimental, when I opened the gift bag from a lovely young woman, wife and mother of two, who has taken a liking to the two of us.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWGtqTxRsct6dEY6HdOORY5uupcsjv2wkn77p9YlhwKexDzKxvNnl-teu3kS6V2tqJM67tuFnmZFqQAtAH5QjGP7yfK29OZ0VtBo9Usis2FGru-PjEstYhgKQC4k25y4muS_MYC7koQI8uZ8-5ILv42Du1Mc3GSr0OfS91CHXqpkUgy2TrZSRmegxki5o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWGtqTxRsct6dEY6HdOORY5uupcsjv2wkn77p9YlhwKexDzKxvNnl-teu3kS6V2tqJM67tuFnmZFqQAtAH5QjGP7yfK29OZ0VtBo9Usis2FGru-PjEstYhgKQC4k25y4muS_MYC7koQI8uZ8-5ILv42Du1Mc3GSr0OfS91CHXqpkUgy2TrZSRmegxki5o=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Brittany brought the bag to the courts maybe a week or more before Christmas and I told her that because our gifts were few, I would open it on Christmas day. Oh my word! So when you worry about us up here in the cold and gloom, just think of this sweet gift and how we are making our way just fine. Of course Bruce is huddled on the couch under a quilt watching the bowl games, but isn't that what quilts are for? Lord knows I have made many that never get used! <p></p><p>Here's to a Happy New Year to each and everyone of you! May 2024 bring health and happiness.</p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail<br /></p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-35295235262783750392023-12-22T20:04:00.001-05:002023-12-22T20:04:20.129-05:00Memories from Murphy <p>As Christmas is but days away, I wanted to stick close to home today. We've been asked numerous times about going home for Christmas, but although it has only happened once before when we were in Vancouver, our Orlando family is okay with us not being there. Of course it helps that we have sons who have wives with families which, let's be honest, should take precedent over ours! Happy wife, happy life and all that jazz!</p><p>Where shall I start?? Maybe reporting that the prints are in the store? As far as I know, only one has sold and that was to Jenn our friend with the wine bar. She wanted to be the first to buy something of mine. Now how sweet was that? Would you look at that...a birdhouse! There is quite a bit of competition around here, so I am keeping my expectations low.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiM9pauFpgjDY_5mutaGWu_lRWLhR2JQb3rJW_hXTiHO406FiiH8YeKTBENzlB653AdQhwlAc_cd0yUioVcEKtGjkroQU0VKidydydxjKUXBYTsLSE-au0clmJ5AqWvNdj4dnnMjHjTsz_nq-295X26TPW5TMxhwO1qsBn4egJC2ROf63vnkDmCS7UXscM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiM9pauFpgjDY_5mutaGWu_lRWLhR2JQb3rJW_hXTiHO406FiiH8YeKTBENzlB653AdQhwlAc_cd0yUioVcEKtGjkroQU0VKidydydxjKUXBYTsLSE-au0clmJ5AqWvNdj4dnnMjHjTsz_nq-295X26TPW5TMxhwO1qsBn4egJC2ROf63vnkDmCS7UXscM=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div>Christmas cookies! Nothing new, been making them since 1977, but for some odd reason, this year they turned out crazy good with perfect size and delicious taste. It's funny how some years that happens isn't it? <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilT0vbxeqvMpbY6DYL5Tndw2IWnylD_15EPfRRJp4_0VpGPwXurdBKc_VG1JSfnJgUldamTU3zIQ74wYay4dUldsn6GY7vylVmEXshJ6JLGpeQHIxW94Func1BfN4xWaNZcmgChb0MkI9vFuvd_Kb8QHApnn2AsXxRQA0Rng8Tp3Q00fxXcs6R5UbW900" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilT0vbxeqvMpbY6DYL5Tndw2IWnylD_15EPfRRJp4_0VpGPwXurdBKc_VG1JSfnJgUldamTU3zIQ74wYay4dUldsn6GY7vylVmEXshJ6JLGpeQHIxW94Func1BfN4xWaNZcmgChb0MkI9vFuvd_Kb8QHApnn2AsXxRQA0Rng8Tp3Q00fxXcs6R5UbW900" width="640" /></a></div>You might note something striped in the background and that would be two potholders made with the fabric Nancy sent me as part of our Christmas gift. I suppose I mentioned that I brought the sewing machine this trip? As well, I made some Christmas napkins along with a decorative placemat for the island.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJixRfabuyGpkBv80zJwgH8N49TWCODQABKvKfzjtgNns-waXdqRJoGfOiUERs0ltER0Ss0Jws3MSuZxorZz5_cqTPUXQnd_yg-lB0ozT_RCO2u-rOa9GR8C3KSHHKwAASeQiTlKFknZxGah9qDq9QtZ1bLCeA8SaJ51PPodkS7sPVtz3D6q9krSVWuKY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJixRfabuyGpkBv80zJwgH8N49TWCODQABKvKfzjtgNns-waXdqRJoGfOiUERs0ltER0Ss0Jws3MSuZxorZz5_cqTPUXQnd_yg-lB0ozT_RCO2u-rOa9GR8C3KSHHKwAASeQiTlKFknZxGah9qDq9QtZ1bLCeA8SaJ51PPodkS7sPVtz3D6q9krSVWuKY=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Perhaps I mentioned that while in Asheville we popped into JoAnne fabrics and these are the results of that shopping excursion. I brought almost nothing Christmassy with us, in spite of knowing we would be here for Christmas, but I did bring placemats, something we use daily. It made me happy to get them out of the cabinet in early December.<p></p><p>Laura made us some lovely Swedish Christmas bread featuring cardamon that her family has been making for generations. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNJPF6BxFw0O_ECHiu8xrNX5-pHkl8B_koP65Z3YSmbh3lht1EToLYqjpTRwtYt1TOKa69Cm6_27Gp9WcMXWQlKdTJwCXSAeLjgT6VxwqVnEblA1Jfk-PlrGYGQrzi-0Oe1fyf3jR3_cv0WdLuvrTf1ecfXds7s-50t0-OXFRkC0xuqqflYZejAZ3aFsg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNJPF6BxFw0O_ECHiu8xrNX5-pHkl8B_koP65Z3YSmbh3lht1EToLYqjpTRwtYt1TOKa69Cm6_27Gp9WcMXWQlKdTJwCXSAeLjgT6VxwqVnEblA1Jfk-PlrGYGQrzi-0Oe1fyf3jR3_cv0WdLuvrTf1ecfXds7s-50t0-OXFRkC0xuqqflYZejAZ3aFsg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>It was light and yummy! Fantastic as French toast too! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-sWbDiYNa-QVhyWnrtU_NHXMk5EuLmj2XU66hfX5LkQUIqGWQzD1oqOzLF_6eUuVMFRFXhoTWGTBdOg9M_t4AvarazhB8yoz2J02DhuFLJvRJv3rIcz-QhpD8l5hoZE68vJIlHGDkhXG9BOdY4xhT9k9075bcUwYhTZepn4UXXvfVsj-KGPzs7iiWOgM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-sWbDiYNa-QVhyWnrtU_NHXMk5EuLmj2XU66hfX5LkQUIqGWQzD1oqOzLF_6eUuVMFRFXhoTWGTBdOg9M_t4AvarazhB8yoz2J02DhuFLJvRJv3rIcz-QhpD8l5hoZE68vJIlHGDkhXG9BOdY4xhT9k9075bcUwYhTZepn4UXXvfVsj-KGPzs7iiWOgM=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>A funny thing happened a few weeks ago that might amuse/interest you. Atop the living room bookcases here, there was a huge metal bucket with an emblem of some sort imprinted into the metal. I thought to myself, "self" why don't you gather some pinecones and fill that up with them as part of our decorations. Going down to the property edge, I gathered what I could find, pinecones unlike any I've ever seen before.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhIE06HcN4k9SuXzgdIXYc0vtSNyZoEH0RHclgsa4bHGsRkoD1xItBpqMG2jGp48fyFtCeD93RVUiTjHptlYUZyVUxY6k30WNMfpOUH2TfUjmywSbKZLI4ptxy28TvBU8xEtMZjBYwwJTiALxM3zws-5Lv8CKTmaeFyu0vLVQ_wkkXjUpTgB4iiHy3lzU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhIE06HcN4k9SuXzgdIXYc0vtSNyZoEH0RHclgsa4bHGsRkoD1xItBpqMG2jGp48fyFtCeD93RVUiTjHptlYUZyVUxY6k30WNMfpOUH2TfUjmywSbKZLI4ptxy28TvBU8xEtMZjBYwwJTiALxM3zws-5Lv8CKTmaeFyu0vLVQ_wkkXjUpTgB4iiHy3lzU" width="640" /></a></div>Before we could put said pinecones in the bucket, which btw, I had nowhere near enough, Laura got in touch asking if she could come pick something up from the cottage. Well, duh! It's your house, so yes indeed! The bucket, she wanted t<u>he bucket </u>to use for letting the dough rise. Perhaps I'm imagining this, but it seems to me that she said she would be making 50 loaves!!! Honoring her families traditions, which if you have watched any Hallmark movies, and it must be said, the litany of other companies who've gotten into the Christmas movie act, she would be in good company. Last week we were treated to a small gathering at their home for other Swedish fare including her recipe for <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/180453/old-fashioned-swedish-glogg/">spiced wine in the Swedish</a> tradition. If I could make the symbols on my computer to type the name I would. <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/180453/old-fashioned-swedish-glogg/"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/180453/old-fashioned-swedish-glogg/"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKVvYNbml_k_l1l3E8tlNN7fKwQT_NWDwKwaXEve_kQvtlZvAQA8QqOrV1UgaNut-_va2mcf1ZWbD3bRvkG3OBhLSU-H_A6NNlxR7RPbvtuViNFv2N8qMD29GvO5au4550FPBVYS2kM973h80jlfLSmFmx4Mxanl82kxOxQ9baOjkyYp1Z95TJ3yA-YyU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKVvYNbml_k_l1l3E8tlNN7fKwQT_NWDwKwaXEve_kQvtlZvAQA8QqOrV1UgaNut-_va2mcf1ZWbD3bRvkG3OBhLSU-H_A6NNlxR7RPbvtuViNFv2N8qMD29GvO5au4550FPBVYS2kM973h80jlfLSmFmx4Mxanl82kxOxQ9baOjkyYp1Z95TJ3yA-YyU=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>There is so much of Charlotte here at the cottage that she helped design and lived in for five years or so. For one thing, there is Huckleberry, her cat, who is still roaming around today. Oftentimes he loves perching on John's truck,<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwGDdHqRrfBS6psx87jErW-h-wobEjKiSjzr_U_Db_FKuxCEuGEmi8kTXXCOsOu31R775PCnaKLcfEBMhUvnPXGbB_8dL0ZP20VbM6uW_IBxK8joyk-LeQ5McYuFahcZmZmXji3jsHhbtyrsqq5xFs-tCRcROMPl4FKboHVyEyOoV0eyAjX6ggQsxv8co" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwGDdHqRrfBS6psx87jErW-h-wobEjKiSjzr_U_Db_FKuxCEuGEmi8kTXXCOsOu31R775PCnaKLcfEBMhUvnPXGbB_8dL0ZP20VbM6uW_IBxK8joyk-LeQ5McYuFahcZmZmXji3jsHhbtyrsqq5xFs-tCRcROMPl4FKboHVyEyOoV0eyAjX6ggQsxv8co=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>and on these winter afternoons he is often to be found sunning himself on our front steps. How he stands the cold is beyond me! And it has been cold to the tune of 23 degrees the other morning, although we are now in a mini warming trend. An 80% chance of rain is the Christmas forecast with no mention of anything white! <p></p><p>One of the things I periodically come across are recipes that Charlotte printed out in 2002, one of which was for focaccia and I thought, what the heck, I'll try it. We'd had it at the restaurant and it was delicious so here we go.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjwF3s1liXXtIuynNC7Nx2P8F91Ek3-o3UZgydHzVssGZiSvRUnRPygFIh_7hBMuQ4loYaD87bzD_eKJLZ64dlZQ9_GybJtGbYpiFObhWU-Y8iS3hBUhjosXr1jIiG87la8dV4ezrkwo1u6qyz19pad10hcgm58zJpi2Yu_mN1U7n4uzZy83pm1QgIIeo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjwF3s1liXXtIuynNC7Nx2P8F91Ek3-o3UZgydHzVssGZiSvRUnRPygFIh_7hBMuQ4loYaD87bzD_eKJLZ64dlZQ9_GybJtGbYpiFObhWU-Y8iS3hBUhjosXr1jIiG87la8dV4ezrkwo1u6qyz19pad10hcgm58zJpi2Yu_mN1U7n4uzZy83pm1QgIIeo" width="640" /></a></div>It was far better than it looks!! I will definitely try it again, and as for the holes, Bruce did them for me because my attention span is so abysmal, I would begin doing them in a row and then before long, well you know how I am. Next time I will not flatten it as much and we will make the holes deeper. As to olive oil, I think it could use more. <p></p><p>While we are still in the kitchen, setting up my sewing machine on our dining table, the ironing board is in the kitchen with plenty of room to move around. Continuing our thrift store goodies, this iron! Would you believe $2.00? You should.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMdMvOeOPJtqYfLXrbMeJjcOZLI5I6CyvtpTT9OpHumGFFaqnfboGIYF7NqOYv6wTXBwjno7jPj2jUfXiITM4p7wcL76VCwytTiqELzboWbu1ORxUuvnR69vHyjXV7kZ_CuGmSL9BWfKe6vor3YQlodIa29iWKg_kLWau-GVc0-LekRbcMhKclujDkUnQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMdMvOeOPJtqYfLXrbMeJjcOZLI5I6CyvtpTT9OpHumGFFaqnfboGIYF7NqOYv6wTXBwjno7jPj2jUfXiITM4p7wcL76VCwytTiqELzboWbu1ORxUuvnR69vHyjXV7kZ_CuGmSL9BWfKe6vor3YQlodIa29iWKg_kLWau-GVc0-LekRbcMhKclujDkUnQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Lastly in the kitchen, let's talk fresh eggs. I bought the eggs at the last farmer's market and they were left on the kitchen counter per their instructions. When we returned from Asheville I wondered, had I let them get stale? Contacting the folks via facebook, she told me about the water test, meaning if the eggs floated they were bad. If they stayed on the bottom and laid on their side they were still good but not as fresh and if they were on one end, you are golden. I gave it a try.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqW5I3R-xMZUq3nScJ1x_yBjrwNKD-YZTfFwk3X6v64wOj6fdNCXm2Qn4MJGC6n7WgN4-_Zji9akJv75b0Ex0azCsN4a-3uLFvcqf92SNQpDfYeGuWMsI1oNrCLLIntG_aCO6xqQ6tpErTlz7I26LHwymRrVaS48UIby4JJf6kqhjfg9g6nNAKycI0aVM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3294" data-original-width="4392" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqW5I3R-xMZUq3nScJ1x_yBjrwNKD-YZTfFwk3X6v64wOj6fdNCXm2Qn4MJGC6n7WgN4-_Zji9akJv75b0Ex0azCsN4a-3uLFvcqf92SNQpDfYeGuWMsI1oNrCLLIntG_aCO6xqQ6tpErTlz7I26LHwymRrVaS48UIby4JJf6kqhjfg9g6nNAKycI0aVM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Oh boy I almost forgot. There is a chicken coop next door that has gone unused for some years, however, John is now set on strengthening it so the coyotes can't get to the chickens and get this, we are to be part owners of said chickens! That's the plan anyway. Holy cow, this is getting interesting!<p></p><p>Oh my, the winter sky with a sliver of a moon and the beginning of sunset. For those of you wondering, if you love taking sunset photos, go for it now as winter sunsets are the absolute best!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDe95UCB2OA0AYMBQUnuWRb97REqbICtiSlCbK28VdkieKMUNdrlLz55wu83N7uDCCxBBZiUykW7uU6759zmPlh9Whqjcl31vfu8U6HVS0nsojqeMOfoXunbWFGS4quorcwnMRUgnApfWGawyn4ISfgQmiP_SPNUAr8RM5soJpCfaFqV_iJNKSGGCI5CE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDe95UCB2OA0AYMBQUnuWRb97REqbICtiSlCbK28VdkieKMUNdrlLz55wu83N7uDCCxBBZiUykW7uU6759zmPlh9Whqjcl31vfu8U6HVS0nsojqeMOfoXunbWFGS4quorcwnMRUgnApfWGawyn4ISfgQmiP_SPNUAr8RM5soJpCfaFqV_iJNKSGGCI5CE=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The shadows are great as well. <p></p><p>As mentioned earlier, it has been cold but it has not kept us from playing pb. Layered up for sure. My side is nearly 100% thankfully. As has become my custom, I go out on the porch when it gets light in the morning to see how cold it feels. I was freaking out on this morning as I looked to the end of the driveway just before daybreak.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhXEJimGDfAJ_1GbPjbwMkFw1oZx90fKHVvWI6F0m42zAQS8t2aztlU11mM5nMTv_rjm30gIWmXoIT5-Ya4c1UzyguiY9W4v1uPLjJ8FMfkdZACyLkuBvlNFQNbIUq7iMEp8JMIaC59ysNry0-W94NkQztcv-It75gwmL-3flDZpYlxK-_p0PO_4utiAc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhXEJimGDfAJ_1GbPjbwMkFw1oZx90fKHVvWI6F0m42zAQS8t2aztlU11mM5nMTv_rjm30gIWmXoIT5-Ya4c1UzyguiY9W4v1uPLjJ8FMfkdZACyLkuBvlNFQNbIUq7iMEp8JMIaC59ysNry0-W94NkQztcv-It75gwmL-3flDZpYlxK-_p0PO_4utiAc=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Putting on shoes immediately, as well as a coat of course, I grabbed my camera hoping they would not take off before I made my way down the driveway. This little guy walked right to me!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJemGo-c1TMRzzVzlplgXuRRypE7ZSDl8R7Bk5TzjGFYr9VDo8zoFO01Nr2oihbJ3WRD2RzPw25_8MKjD-_-Jb-ULYGfz01jUoWxTcxd8q7XXOn3jo_Cohdhl8rp_UYuWpQP_0_Zw0hkuPq9r3gQq7cWErlTz8utEd6xwczi0LCbBrZR7MvimBg8Skt-8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJemGo-c1TMRzzVzlplgXuRRypE7ZSDl8R7Bk5TzjGFYr9VDo8zoFO01Nr2oihbJ3WRD2RzPw25_8MKjD-_-Jb-ULYGfz01jUoWxTcxd8q7XXOn3jo_Cohdhl8rp_UYuWpQP_0_Zw0hkuPq9r3gQq7cWErlTz8utEd6xwczi0LCbBrZR7MvimBg8Skt-8=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The light was dim, the lens was wrong, but I did manage to get eight of them in this shot. Look closely!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYzc9JgeLGgfv8bPvSQUxtil09hP9B896fuIwBZJqCuLyZNTzLLr-fDaqkWhiM2RCEiApXw7-qmrxL9pX0ajdqQd7aVfoBSc5zlbN_B2-dZu4jFPQkI3XHsdBHSZ7D6ljSqw4vo8euOiynE7V-HirO7Dx1I1zkOvMLmc89etCa5e0i6oeJiqSB-7NrjXg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYzc9JgeLGgfv8bPvSQUxtil09hP9B896fuIwBZJqCuLyZNTzLLr-fDaqkWhiM2RCEiApXw7-qmrxL9pX0ajdqQd7aVfoBSc5zlbN_B2-dZu4jFPQkI3XHsdBHSZ7D6ljSqw4vo8euOiynE7V-HirO7Dx1I1zkOvMLmc89etCa5e0i6oeJiqSB-7NrjXg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>And you better believe I hightailed into the warm and cozy house when they ran off! <p></p><p>The river walk continues to provide entertainment in unexpected ways. Honestly, when I came across the Eastern Bluebird action, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Well maybe a wee bit of an exaggeration, but you get the idea.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuAzUHBGyXIdw3gs0MQoz3CQTfjX1VsQ7uYL4HRTyqr3IenQBGutc9KmMqB3ObjlLOVN11iscr1jFbZweop3Q3LQhP75-5b2kC5ormpfOhyrGg6TUqwq_ytxlF4IbRZRNYimLn5jGpn4RUSDs-FkEmux7-gGFykRkmYD1LUT8lHY3FbFyNUaQHB3kaO6U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2838" data-original-width="3905" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuAzUHBGyXIdw3gs0MQoz3CQTfjX1VsQ7uYL4HRTyqr3IenQBGutc9KmMqB3ObjlLOVN11iscr1jFbZweop3Q3LQhP75-5b2kC5ormpfOhyrGg6TUqwq_ytxlF4IbRZRNYimLn5jGpn4RUSDs-FkEmux7-gGFykRkmYD1LUT8lHY3FbFyNUaQHB3kaO6U=w640-h466" width="640" /></a></div>This was taken last Saturday and I am sad to report I've not seen any action there again! You can well imagine that I will keep trying. Exiting the official walk, I landed in front of a darling house that I may have pictured before with Corgi Christmas decorations out front. Does that ring a bell? Well, on this afternoon, I was greeted by the real thing.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxEQcuZj11em80JMUoXXPXPx5QB_d6yKSQq7McJqwmpAm47VmLQgfov_60lHHGhhH3HA8E1pHoAc9CMnkLONzBmcCXbmJ1QVmLBbdqJ3AaJsD-yJpT3l3bNETRvosG6wJ453VVwaZccDlF4GpuTa4iovkVXOsqKFdfPTHV2TfxCQjLpLi5OPSUwoCwFAc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxEQcuZj11em80JMUoXXPXPx5QB_d6yKSQq7McJqwmpAm47VmLQgfov_60lHHGhhH3HA8E1pHoAc9CMnkLONzBmcCXbmJ1QVmLBbdqJ3AaJsD-yJpT3l3bNETRvosG6wJ453VVwaZccDlF4GpuTa4iovkVXOsqKFdfPTHV2TfxCQjLpLi5OPSUwoCwFAc" width="640" /></a></div>And one more!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHI8mLXRvJ4cHbTNNEINc0zQz3WY8Ijftpznnhq-x4R6rvrJESsidb_mImxNMF1EOhjGwGBnweTpkGJHhzjMZlO5niZMQarxqO2UP3vFojdmhER7U4szmuBzj_AKVonE1obsWMiEqtKd9euYxX-cft8hBch3nYsniCC0rhJmSCwoxl3nupD7r6FaMRXno" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHI8mLXRvJ4cHbTNNEINc0zQz3WY8Ijftpznnhq-x4R6rvrJESsidb_mImxNMF1EOhjGwGBnweTpkGJHhzjMZlO5niZMQarxqO2UP3vFojdmhER7U4szmuBzj_AKVonE1obsWMiEqtKd9euYxX-cft8hBch3nYsniCC0rhJmSCwoxl3nupD7r6FaMRXno" width="640" /></a></div>Ordinarily I might not even include these, but because I want to remember the encounter, here they are. Watching someone pick up dog poop is not my favorite pass time, but on this occasion I did so with interest because the picker-upper person was the lovely young woman who owns the beautiful Corgis. Boy did she have a story to tell! Blood cancer at 40 followed by horrible chemotherapy that caused irreparable damage to her hips! In January she had both hips replaced because she lacked blood supply to her joints. Plus, it took multiple visits to different doctors who all dismissed her complaints before she was diagnosed. That sort of thing makes my blood boil! After a horrible couple of years, she finally thinks she can get out a little bit and I emphasize little. Her husband wanted to go to Iceland, but he agreed to go to Fort Wilderness campground instead. Quite the trade-off huh? She explained that she is not quite ready for a big trip. I hope that when I left, it lifted her spirits just a little bit, knowing someone was willing to listen and empathize with her story. The corgis...our darling former neighbor Regina, who turned 87 btw, has one who is aging and whose heart will break if Argyle does not hang on longer than she! Come to think of it, Regina did act like a queen!<p></p><p>Winter, you have just begun, by the calendar anyway. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhD2Qg4oquPl6yIzdxEZYIcqc1yuv_sOQpwgBJmkSvNvoEeufWJ30KFXsQjXdwJ98gGcGvknOti9EF_a8kBnGNw6V2ofhRK1ejbTCgnj5gWTcg8uGZD7PWH8lVxhR9yFqqI9whploWPv4mhgxg30kT4yhMLfvy8VECoKEPVu9s5rtotegmGQGHFWyaNt30" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhD2Qg4oquPl6yIzdxEZYIcqc1yuv_sOQpwgBJmkSvNvoEeufWJ30KFXsQjXdwJ98gGcGvknOti9EF_a8kBnGNw6V2ofhRK1ejbTCgnj5gWTcg8uGZD7PWH8lVxhR9yFqqI9whploWPv4mhgxg30kT4yhMLfvy8VECoKEPVu9s5rtotegmGQGHFWyaNt30=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I was bundled up as sunset was nearing on the Valley River. Usually we play pickleball until around lunch time and that is because we are starting later rather, like 9:30 or so when the temperature is maybe above freezing, we have lunch, followed by a little rest for the man of the house, and then we head back to town when he works on his aging bodybuilder stuff and I roam. Then it is dark and then we head home to the fireplace and our cozy surroundings. Should you be curious. :)<p></p><p>Friends, the birds are having a heyday at our feeders! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj06i2WvaAMlDzjzz0lL7BJTGSZzROvAszoq1poAoct0jnXx2ACTHSevDfySYRsVSuoZBbYHgs2rsHhJ8DpWDpWj8Ud8P9vZi_GY3fso0PPML4yrLNxsX-tPdBfI5RevoHVCgc2ejpBvGWrY87MRG-H3fg9slPRjae9piCii0mPOGvSLiRsRQ7BOgrfk0Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj06i2WvaAMlDzjzz0lL7BJTGSZzROvAszoq1poAoct0jnXx2ACTHSevDfySYRsVSuoZBbYHgs2rsHhJ8DpWDpWj8Ud8P9vZi_GY3fso0PPML4yrLNxsX-tPdBfI5RevoHVCgc2ejpBvGWrY87MRG-H3fg9slPRjae9piCii0mPOGvSLiRsRQ7BOgrfk0Q=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Gosh if you only knew how many photos I have of the sweet things. One morning it was particularly exciting as there were so many, including two Cardinals who kept chasing one another. This photo is big and the birds are small, but it shows what they were up to.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgACTaB_xUSrha5zq0V6EKLhCzohMZ0D1_ORZo8ICfmueC3abOjRVZGLr1jE4eyqj3apt5mIYi0qGpdeSmua8y_gCiUpmLzXlPn9E7bAI3Og4oh0dwZ9yh0xSMoD32KPPSQzM9JS_xYvMnxX-4USLG5iAp55hrLHZDzFkzw6ruD6CTTnRhSnCpHamPY9H0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgACTaB_xUSrha5zq0V6EKLhCzohMZ0D1_ORZo8ICfmueC3abOjRVZGLr1jE4eyqj3apt5mIYi0qGpdeSmua8y_gCiUpmLzXlPn9E7bAI3Og4oh0dwZ9yh0xSMoD32KPPSQzM9JS_xYvMnxX-4USLG5iAp55hrLHZDzFkzw6ruD6CTTnRhSnCpHamPY9H0" width="639" /></a></div>Do you see them??? If only you were reading a blog post by a better photographer! Nevertheless, it was quite entertaining seeing them go at one another. John told us that some of the leaves stay on the trees until the new ones push the old ones off. I'm thinking what you are seeing is what he meant.<p></p><p>In spite of all the local festivities, it is still hard for me to imagine Christmas is but days away. Some folks we know who are from Florida are planning to go out to eat but in a first, I plan to make a Prime Rib. When I saw Ingles had them on sale, I thought to myself, "why not?". Hopefully, we will have fun cooking something new. Through the magic of Facetime we will stay connected with our beloved family. One thing to note is that last Christmas in Murphy, the temperatures plunged and folks, including Hank, had frozen pipes. Apparently it was very, very cold. It won't be like that Monday, but whatever it is, we will make the best of it!!</p><p>Merry Christmas dear friends from,</p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail<br /></p><p></p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-21159115095191777222023-12-18T17:15:00.004-05:002023-12-18T17:15:32.419-05:00Asheville Proper<p>Today's installment will be covering a lot of territory with loads of photographs so don't say that I did not warn you in advance should you become weary!! Or bored. :)</p><p>You may recall that Matt arrived via Lyft to the condo in the River Arts District about 8:30 on Friday night. Following some big hugs so and perhaps a Hallmark movie, we did little else aside from going to bed somewhat early. On our drive to Asheville we stopped at the Publix in Waynesville and I will say that it felt good to be in a Publix. Don't get me wrong, Ingles is very nice but once you have Publix in your blood it is hard to replace! Anyway, with breakfast fixings in the house, peering out the windows, we wondered what in the world we could do on such a rainy morning. As you learned from <a href="https://gpeck.blogspot.com/2023/12/an-asheville-rendezvous.html">my last post</a>, we went to the Asheville mall which is doing some better than other malls in the country. At least at Christmas it was. We shopped in the Belks which of course brought memories rushing back about when my mother worked in the shoes/handbag department at the Belks in Colonial Plaza. A few weeks ago, December 7 to be exact, I had this feeling and looked at the date, something I do with increasing infrequency. It was the 20th anniversary of our Mom's funeral, as well as the day Bruce's dad died. Yes, you read that right. It was a very dark time to say the least. </p><p>Following our mall excursion, Matt gave Bruce directions to downtown. If you have not been to Asheville I am here to report that it is fairly compact and at least from my seat, pretty easy to navigate. It was fun to be in a city setting again amongst the hustle and bustle, such as it is.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGPnrOCbHHXq_BP8K-LnLKKx0AfSz2KCiyIiacurNEgVMcCkyFbfA3gmU33RvH4nYzM5gMYE9ZH_DidMynqzsDYgoDVKOWBX0827Li1Oa9ciuS9SbKbgGk5mEupNnZtHyX_0GP-h73rbAwEH-H2HP4rVjbU_IGCwBt8Ir5Ms1Mt21whnuxLD3kQJozYOQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGPnrOCbHHXq_BP8K-LnLKKx0AfSz2KCiyIiacurNEgVMcCkyFbfA3gmU33RvH4nYzM5gMYE9ZH_DidMynqzsDYgoDVKOWBX0827Li1Oa9ciuS9SbKbgGk5mEupNnZtHyX_0GP-h73rbAwEH-H2HP4rVjbU_IGCwBt8Ir5Ms1Mt21whnuxLD3kQJozYOQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>As is the case when we are with Matthew, he leads and we follow. Funny how it comes to that when you get old. Not so may years before it was us who was leading him around! Here's a view down the street to the City Hall and Buncombe County building.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBms5bEunNmvHILHeqbonArbFDfSR9x9Xfw7nbo0H-ZtXWVa2f53bVrpyQsIs6g7hGMImql1-2DAJqZISqCM9hUBSoRR6BwUVpkDUgNZ79oejSE0VO78xjWcmahisExSQpS4HZhFdNJmt0HOxiMVGbw0BMIDLOYrYVsXJoLQkZd0u8ujsEd3qXMbj66i8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBms5bEunNmvHILHeqbonArbFDfSR9x9Xfw7nbo0H-ZtXWVa2f53bVrpyQsIs6g7hGMImql1-2DAJqZISqCM9hUBSoRR6BwUVpkDUgNZ79oejSE0VO78xjWcmahisExSQpS4HZhFdNJmt0HOxiMVGbw0BMIDLOYrYVsXJoLQkZd0u8ujsEd3qXMbj66i8=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I read a fascinating story about their construction history, a little bit is included <a href="https://psabc.org/an-art-deco-blend-ashevilles-city-hall/">here</a>. From what I read somewhere else, it was quite the local story at the time. You might note the word art on the city bus and it is there for a good reason because one can find A LOT of local art in Asheville, so much so, one wonders how there is enough business to go around. <p></p><p>The <a href="https://grovearcade.com/about/">Grove Arcade</a> was beautiful!! Finished in 1929, Wow! Stock market crash anyone? </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYetUQ8P8shOcAEtdUG9g_5G7DDTaLpAM0E_A_R9b294pREprtWtP8H4PRmRjlnl55ekPvoZExYkCeH45rhfCiLRC8ju3oeblhiwyBfBIWaIbKh1drvVuUjXUxca7NywoLX4KEF4xyTIZhaNyU1uWPy7blh0FKH6DUcP5VR9l5ar9xFevE3J1OyUegO9c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYetUQ8P8shOcAEtdUG9g_5G7DDTaLpAM0E_A_R9b294pREprtWtP8H4PRmRjlnl55ekPvoZExYkCeH45rhfCiLRC8ju3oeblhiwyBfBIWaIbKh1drvVuUjXUxca7NywoLX4KEF4xyTIZhaNyU1uWPy7blh0FKH6DUcP5VR9l5ar9xFevE3J1OyUegO9c=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Walking back to the car, we came across this group ready to serenade the passing crowds. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZxyGJkodfDRzv_O_RfVi9outU9L0bc1RHlKR5dWmibu5XI1oFahnPSQ441V16Z5cAVFADfuwnwT--zCGWF0DFrtHruGJ0D2drYDpi2hcguVsm7Txi6ui93nzpA1yqkgZy06T9gsRHygZCV7XVX-T93vz8HxRqx2Yfu0Uj_V-x5kooEZeanL_Tj46Hkvs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2994" data-original-width="3993" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZxyGJkodfDRzv_O_RfVi9outU9L0bc1RHlKR5dWmibu5XI1oFahnPSQ441V16Z5cAVFADfuwnwT--zCGWF0DFrtHruGJ0D2drYDpi2hcguVsm7Txi6ui93nzpA1yqkgZy06T9gsRHygZCV7XVX-T93vz8HxRqx2Yfu0Uj_V-x5kooEZeanL_Tj46Hkvs=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Don't you just love this sort of thing? In contrast to the fancy Grove Arcade, a music mecca below.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAdkOIv1afqpFLKna3GDNKOtx6uUvcblFiGGbwTKisl4eRXHhO67VZtniO47w-qSjaDRM0-K4KjW5a5rBoDDo-yL9EnoSKcIKzeETcjm-gfto0pL-gLz-EttI9-XXneCOsBK43Q6Jqmxh7mlvl8Un0OauVGsZwJ__FSkaV5Xp0yPZ3QK7biN7LPtayuxU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAdkOIv1afqpFLKna3GDNKOtx6uUvcblFiGGbwTKisl4eRXHhO67VZtniO47w-qSjaDRM0-K4KjW5a5rBoDDo-yL9EnoSKcIKzeETcjm-gfto0pL-gLz-EttI9-XXneCOsBK43Q6Jqmxh7mlvl8Un0OauVGsZwJ__FSkaV5Xp0yPZ3QK7biN7LPtayuxU=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>As the parking meter was running low we decided to head back to the car and return to <a href="https://www.theradicalavl.com/">The Radical</a>, the hotel restaurant located across the river from the condo. Because it was so close, Bruce and I ate there the previous evening making for an easy walk home. As is our custom, we sat at the bar of The Golden Hour, thus the gold chains?<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_dtD36Cz0Jn6til2AIIW9HmGNpxfMR9oEz7MdB5EU3jxyuHwpMBQjWCxFI3-a2bO2DkE3ix8XUAY9T7ux1ZDDA3Z2svA66G7JrDbLuVdGr1IrnDQd1szrdu7qZK4qejiEsMh7T_mIL6zRCnHz9xQC6JzzjQcRqHPEYdIxRJjAldONT9FFCzNwq_zRMWc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_dtD36Cz0Jn6til2AIIW9HmGNpxfMR9oEz7MdB5EU3jxyuHwpMBQjWCxFI3-a2bO2DkE3ix8XUAY9T7ux1ZDDA3Z2svA66G7JrDbLuVdGr1IrnDQd1szrdu7qZK4qejiEsMh7T_mIL6zRCnHz9xQC6JzzjQcRqHPEYdIxRJjAldONT9FFCzNwq_zRMWc=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>We were delighted with our meal, so much so that we wanted Matt to experience it as well. We began with the bread service followed by an array of vegetable dishes in keeping with Matt being a vegan. So good.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS32oWkGGrlK_6gsFrX3AgDboGMt-GFWWPBgrMN_En0FVqfkCgZtSSSh8zv_ncccTaR-J2q__LQdIfVdFgb_nEb_MnSAw2L2XlwcqwrMCfOp1ege5vpSzVCOtJl4spRBrYNZTeyZI6QhqTqJdo4hWh6IkQEI6s-1sr4r8PJKDMSrpIP7C1BGHsaTGjkns" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS32oWkGGrlK_6gsFrX3AgDboGMt-GFWWPBgrMN_En0FVqfkCgZtSSSh8zv_ncccTaR-J2q__LQdIfVdFgb_nEb_MnSAw2L2XlwcqwrMCfOp1ege5vpSzVCOtJl4spRBrYNZTeyZI6QhqTqJdo4hWh6IkQEI6s-1sr4r8PJKDMSrpIP7C1BGHsaTGjkns=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Pickled vegetables, focaccia and compound butters...oh my! The hotel is funky to say the least.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjV6Kf89m-zRGxy-2bjtYHZL8XE1LhJo3wsGgcg7WyA2azW199xK6Af1i8lsH41d0bM-vHEccqWJpb-bNMejMvGaPwQ6qoN6mJYjkF-zyTGeI4TlWuue0p78VvWv90W2VxAqcLl1CRC4VKaaIpwlIaKzFNMWwgeZjbfdhWSEHx7D2yPZD70X9-Xiq1sT5w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjV6Kf89m-zRGxy-2bjtYHZL8XE1LhJo3wsGgcg7WyA2azW199xK6Af1i8lsH41d0bM-vHEccqWJpb-bNMejMvGaPwQ6qoN6mJYjkF-zyTGeI4TlWuue0p78VvWv90W2VxAqcLl1CRC4VKaaIpwlIaKzFNMWwgeZjbfdhWSEHx7D2yPZD70X9-Xiq1sT5w=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Sunday dawned chilly and rainy and although it was interesting, maybe it was not my best choice when I suggested we visit the Tobacco Barn antiques. Unheated, it was indeed a huge barn, to the tune of 77, 000 square feet!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwyhQUXoR7ZommOGVXrL2kjxzd05wh5hVPlXzGK5wpYmAv1YaU_UslDlvILxtbWgh6hmQGI0_QVpygpgN6wo--_H4T6HKWtIwTxLjY6s1zVTEoMdVLKlYZPfi6I3Ur0AjA7g9_ycYyFiDLeZRJ_kD4eTxT35s9ssnbjbUOtAI9B9jYTZJzEbjxpoe0NaU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwyhQUXoR7ZommOGVXrL2kjxzd05wh5hVPlXzGK5wpYmAv1YaU_UslDlvILxtbWgh6hmQGI0_QVpygpgN6wo--_H4T6HKWtIwTxLjY6s1zVTEoMdVLKlYZPfi6I3Ur0AjA7g9_ycYyFiDLeZRJ_kD4eTxT35s9ssnbjbUOtAI9B9jYTZJzEbjxpoe0NaU=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">Mostly overwhelming with so much to see I took only a few shots including the one below highlighting penmanship, something I wish I had a better grasp of these days. Should I be graded on such, as in our long ago elementary school days, I would probably receive a "C" grade. Maybe even a "D". I cannot remember the last time I formed the letter Q in that fashion. How about you?</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEkJ2nsfB3ZoJ9sg3ItzaCX0eo1gPFJHxjiozQ49cxOU5EutKyhY8_pJ9zUsi5XbFPrQKL7Z5pVAWJjmpk5osaGdYJ6OF3_xBaI1jwiIk74YJuyZSnJzyY7dNXaw5S1lWa5bJYmjtJ0KE2smd_xtgqr_RYd55DfzYRHTZBwfHZM1Ep0xKHn0eEF8A5fc0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEkJ2nsfB3ZoJ9sg3ItzaCX0eo1gPFJHxjiozQ49cxOU5EutKyhY8_pJ9zUsi5XbFPrQKL7Z5pVAWJjmpk5osaGdYJ6OF3_xBaI1jwiIk74YJuyZSnJzyY7dNXaw5S1lWa5bJYmjtJ0KE2smd_xtgqr_RYd55DfzYRHTZBwfHZM1Ep0xKHn0eEF8A5fc0=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">There was more we wanted to peruse downtown so with free parking on Sunday, off we went. I wanted to the visit </span><a href="https://www.mastgeneralstore.com/asheville" style="text-align: left;">Mast General Store</a><span style="text-align: left;">. </span></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7uorWHMwkGZYx5AimjxSt-GYZGoR5UlMgKM86lhHR6DnyoFiG7Cpy7sc3WxWD7pkNwr4tpBhhL7QXhI6gOl1D2KR6PqMqpyyjG57vFxx48uwXcsYMZyiYRRKs3pPWHEyngPCGezZ39Ek4Au96CMe6pDuX87rMjlinI8UGkAXiaAm4gu80RKyEX9HkuEE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7uorWHMwkGZYx5AimjxSt-GYZGoR5UlMgKM86lhHR6DnyoFiG7Cpy7sc3WxWD7pkNwr4tpBhhL7QXhI6gOl1D2KR6PqMqpyyjG57vFxx48uwXcsYMZyiYRRKs3pPWHEyngPCGezZ39Ek4Au96CMe6pDuX87rMjlinI8UGkAXiaAm4gu80RKyEX9HkuEE=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Remember what I said about cold weather clothes being expensive? You can find them there should you want to! You can also find fun things like this little candy mecca.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWQsqhZ4hOmuKVIDgjHl5pM5SKKU0bWx8ihlJwolNwWgXAH-vSKkRGijb_MizTFPsnpGHSCmANFSpfs_hDCaV31ZxuCjzAdAhMbY48Rb5YlXy1NiGYFlPIbba25Q0ynVfE0DwevA5IhPsqEMi7ftjS-0-kXgnO823ZKxAtVNrKIRDmZVFmvlYLsCTIIA8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWQsqhZ4hOmuKVIDgjHl5pM5SKKU0bWx8ihlJwolNwWgXAH-vSKkRGijb_MizTFPsnpGHSCmANFSpfs_hDCaV31ZxuCjzAdAhMbY48Rb5YlXy1NiGYFlPIbba25Q0ynVfE0DwevA5IhPsqEMi7ftjS-0-kXgnO823ZKxAtVNrKIRDmZVFmvlYLsCTIIA8=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Maybe I am getting the days mixed up, who knows and for that matter, who cares? That said, one of the days we visited two floors of mostly local art housed in a former Woolworth, complete with an old fashioned soda fountain. Naturally the quilts attracted my attention! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZv_VPwpxWeghR0yRB13mYsJzHs5Fght7LLDYZ22X5VSW3JiHJWG1MNnE--aUwyPCAV32iNE543RKW5MITeKV_cHKO3jtMsL92Nn6SH5P36Fpp2CLw97nz1S8hrD7b3qcLQ-82djs9YmZMjN8HF9ILTuyKrQkbmGDTKGTr8qVboTobhNQaVhPYhdjVO7Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZv_VPwpxWeghR0yRB13mYsJzHs5Fght7LLDYZ22X5VSW3JiHJWG1MNnE--aUwyPCAV32iNE543RKW5MITeKV_cHKO3jtMsL92Nn6SH5P36Fpp2CLw97nz1S8hrD7b3qcLQ-82djs9YmZMjN8HF9ILTuyKrQkbmGDTKGTr8qVboTobhNQaVhPYhdjVO7Y=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>We saw photographer after photographer all pretty much with the same subject matter. Don't get me wrong, because there were some beautiful landscapes, but it seems to me should I actually care to sell anything here in Murphy, it needs to be out of the ordinary stuff. Time will tell, but those are my thoughts here to date.<p></p><p>It will only set you back a cool $60K to purchase these neat wooden motorcycle.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJz1HMbOab6Xt4jgIQZlSxBvBN7HDgIaN0Ge2-EYi_ZpNkvbyddhLPfuSpOqEHRVrmasnuV9CSfwnXfplEiBMCEj3JxrvqUXeXwopDXlJiKwwzEQPtqq9NHHhQbjS9qSG9iNOe6Vtl4Ph2BCyCbEyHZ1VbR-9pUl7RBSoqG4cy_gNcxAsRtdWG4Qcrhck" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJz1HMbOab6Xt4jgIQZlSxBvBN7HDgIaN0Ge2-EYi_ZpNkvbyddhLPfuSpOqEHRVrmasnuV9CSfwnXfplEiBMCEj3JxrvqUXeXwopDXlJiKwwzEQPtqq9NHHhQbjS9qSG9iNOe6Vtl4Ph2BCyCbEyHZ1VbR-9pUl7RBSoqG4cy_gNcxAsRtdWG4Qcrhck=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>More exciting happenings including a flat tire, fixed with expediency I might add, as well as a trip to Jo Anne fabrics for me!! Nancy sent me some fabric for Christmas and I needed just a few things to make something happen. Next post for that.<p></p><p>By now the weather was even more dismal, but after a trip to the REI store in Biltmore Village, Bruce steeled his nerves and we headed to the airport in the pouring rain on an interstate undergoing construction. Sounds fun, right?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrNtpKORwKLwvekxxrnNCYeeuXsOgjgS_a0MHA2aMWzCNA9DTuuTmx43iC7GWgek81CsOlAiS9rWsfgxd4jlXDV1WyY315Sm1oaTywswQCOP3aqN8oheqCPcyyWXQfBmilBdH1DZlfQiROBle6CIatf0C7xWCxsxA5PHhMQ1nWBjOAVzBkIrnYLxytQFQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrNtpKORwKLwvekxxrnNCYeeuXsOgjgS_a0MHA2aMWzCNA9DTuuTmx43iC7GWgek81CsOlAiS9rWsfgxd4jlXDV1WyY315Sm1oaTywswQCOP3aqN8oheqCPcyyWXQfBmilBdH1DZlfQiROBle6CIatf0C7xWCxsxA5PHhMQ1nWBjOAVzBkIrnYLxytQFQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Not to mention we were saying goodbye to our son for who knows how long! He arrived with plenty of time for his flight, but somewhere along the way, he missed his connection to New York from Charlotte. God was good however, and there was still another flight that night to London. All of this is a distant memory to him as he and Tom have now embarked on a two week vacation beginning in Okinawa and ending in South Korea where the temperature there is predicted to be minus every day of that portion of their journey!! <p></p><p>Earlier John suggested that we stay another day because of the less than ideal weather, so because we are foot loose and fancy free, we decided to do just that. Woo hoo, we were treated to a beautiful sunrise. Well I was anyway because Bruce is not nearly as keen as I am to step outside in nightclothes!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlB0M4IWcAXj6C3A0yfp_sIFNsRd84ecyVThZ56g9shJqtHqL6z8RaOomhZ39TqAFE_JavvzIuqqqz8tX34sWeb_Y_DPDZEx2GA2ex_hyKd6UrJfGb4IDP6N9rDpMXXzGplzQOWwIVfb_nLOfA-xQ0AL_3PbcF17mL6nB2sY8UO6swGv8yYoaOlfJzjS4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlB0M4IWcAXj6C3A0yfp_sIFNsRd84ecyVThZ56g9shJqtHqL6z8RaOomhZ39TqAFE_JavvzIuqqqz8tX34sWeb_Y_DPDZEx2GA2ex_hyKd6UrJfGb4IDP6N9rDpMXXzGplzQOWwIVfb_nLOfA-xQ0AL_3PbcF17mL6nB2sY8UO6swGv8yYoaOlfJzjS4" width="640" /></a></div>Baby it was cold outside with steam from the New Belgium brewery across the street filling the air.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5cR956bCnM5N0tUdiuLdhtqUOHfrpbna1_juroYV051OmOPt5xSN4rKBerH8nQE-qSEHQDdSwW-5elHpp0XbzCtnqaJv0NroUE9hlndL49Mco9Pdm8UawNUb8KMW_npz2ir4eySvP4q50UBMznpyK1DSVIRhmTky2E_rxog4StSMckDZr4DpELznRcAA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5cR956bCnM5N0tUdiuLdhtqUOHfrpbna1_juroYV051OmOPt5xSN4rKBerH8nQE-qSEHQDdSwW-5elHpp0XbzCtnqaJv0NroUE9hlndL49Mco9Pdm8UawNUb8KMW_npz2ir4eySvP4q50UBMznpyK1DSVIRhmTky2E_rxog4StSMckDZr4DpELznRcAA" width="640" /></a></div>The long shadows of winter and plenty of frost on the ground.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNxs_FHWyGED84CpbaFlLIPFbjLfXJIuhIyaf0vsT7ABLpapa_rgsOpn38acrcf3lIT_WJk4-FnDf8kxfi0KeHxMFqKXf42ENJZdXXJs46jVG616PxTUZZDAXWEl-4EWxTTJ6QF3U-nM9ezDYFNnqNm8yNt15q1-xnik-trdvxD0SMQSUq010rhDwR_OI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNxs_FHWyGED84CpbaFlLIPFbjLfXJIuhIyaf0vsT7ABLpapa_rgsOpn38acrcf3lIT_WJk4-FnDf8kxfi0KeHxMFqKXf42ENJZdXXJs46jVG616PxTUZZDAXWEl-4EWxTTJ6QF3U-nM9ezDYFNnqNm8yNt15q1-xnik-trdvxD0SMQSUq010rhDwR_OI=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Would you like to see tiny bits of frost? Of course you would? Am I crazy?<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyXGCW8bDYx7QNjs0qFou159keG5jrcep8XN-tWwhW5_ALuzHLHgmHtXJ0Fmy_WWbbH57v5bkUe1njaW5PiETnWhZjy8wYzTbJE8XkqdwGgN2w_RV2Mwt2mSKERRF4LOx3tbBcVWgP9dUJ9witvKFgOSZfQJGvUtf0RXX5xOnhdnPlbsQR5D0DxRnpNqY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyXGCW8bDYx7QNjs0qFou159keG5jrcep8XN-tWwhW5_ALuzHLHgmHtXJ0Fmy_WWbbH57v5bkUe1njaW5PiETnWhZjy8wYzTbJE8XkqdwGgN2w_RV2Mwt2mSKERRF4LOx3tbBcVWgP9dUJ9witvKFgOSZfQJGvUtf0RXX5xOnhdnPlbsQR5D0DxRnpNqY=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Don't they look neat? I walked down the street, crossing the bridge over the French Broad river, in an attempt to figure out where the entrance to the river walk was. Finally I found not only it but some brave souls using it as well.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2IRi_2bIyRn3czFiWkwmJlb4PuZr1zvATZpZEuREWXWj5b-pEL241L1FnfBKuS3_lwh3VSYcpx4tF3Rg7lj_kdT0pDIcNtwnZWsNDkoQIKoxCAMESl_IoCNlYlpdF-I0FkbbojqFhJglPvQcOecwuDqeku1iDMjPpZIGLeUo2AOR_SC0a8ITfIcjUZmQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2IRi_2bIyRn3czFiWkwmJlb4PuZr1zvATZpZEuREWXWj5b-pEL241L1FnfBKuS3_lwh3VSYcpx4tF3Rg7lj_kdT0pDIcNtwnZWsNDkoQIKoxCAMESl_IoCNlYlpdF-I0FkbbojqFhJglPvQcOecwuDqeku1iDMjPpZIGLeUo2AOR_SC0a8ITfIcjUZmQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I was feeling excited with all that I'd seen and then on my walk it got even better! Because it was so chilly I only brought my regular zoom camera, not the one with the very long lens which I regretted the moment I watched a flock of birds fly into the top of a tree in front of me. Of course I am freaking out just to witness it but the thought that I would not be able to identify said birds hurt too.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_BSUEtpehurk4KZ7iyQ8I3rUnVDRx12kWrGkSXlRliZDY6Gw56564HBTEMUtXWxiXCvDqzdP-XhqLfxnEZ5GHcDZQPnsMoWGtHs0PEYfOh6QUuA4dECkGbAZn77RcMTtqBB5Td-pWiGmGdJpiRsds4l1amey3jLnPKHbrL5wjhrI0F6KqOChAB0fHwUY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_BSUEtpehurk4KZ7iyQ8I3rUnVDRx12kWrGkSXlRliZDY6Gw56564HBTEMUtXWxiXCvDqzdP-XhqLfxnEZ5GHcDZQPnsMoWGtHs0PEYfOh6QUuA4dECkGbAZn77RcMTtqBB5Td-pWiGmGdJpiRsds4l1amey3jLnPKHbrL5wjhrI0F6KqOChAB0fHwUY=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>No amount of enlarging on my computer helps. Such is life, right?I sound like an ingrate is what I sound like. The experience should totally be enough. Or, should it?<p></p><p>During the rest of the morning we visited Harris Teater and the adjacent Trader Joes. The former because I wanted to see what it is like, the later because I wanted to pick up some goodies to take home in our cooler. Oh yeah, and we tried to visit Hole Donuts but they were closed. Apparently a trip to Asheville is incomplete without a visit there.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSkTCMxl_svkmF4g5s9bkayor-75k7BWD0FA7yTFaZK4GJmsQyTex96-vud6YoU0LU0HNJLsRyEwDC7Uy76o9lxxeAHIwY0O5oka9HlES7al_koA_Hh8KChfkGorud2LK5idcxja33HN-EWyeVjvLDhzacgdyEM-Ys9aUQ_QiyM__BQVTl3_Lk09hTE4w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSkTCMxl_svkmF4g5s9bkayor-75k7BWD0FA7yTFaZK4GJmsQyTex96-vud6YoU0LU0HNJLsRyEwDC7Uy76o9lxxeAHIwY0O5oka9HlES7al_koA_Hh8KChfkGorud2LK5idcxja33HN-EWyeVjvLDhzacgdyEM-Ys9aUQ_QiyM__BQVTl3_Lk09hTE4w=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Oh yeah, another thing we did was drive through a very large area covered in street art. The best of the bunch to me was the Clint Eastwood.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbLR0ugskmWKBdL2HwXw8qjvVJYmGPPKaZEUvjtCtimCywXNo6eHmJ-3Su3alWWsNxjknUFYwq9jVFC_9DEhSC4TZrkmh3UYDZ8MXGvKMxNFClzTwiaE9spnjLK3Zjg9DZY26YSCnib4n5nm-DyysJ5DKrWJU3TC6s4i0enxxcLyWjKkKdp75GplTSeWc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbLR0ugskmWKBdL2HwXw8qjvVJYmGPPKaZEUvjtCtimCywXNo6eHmJ-3Su3alWWsNxjknUFYwq9jVFC_9DEhSC4TZrkmh3UYDZ8MXGvKMxNFClzTwiaE9spnjLK3Zjg9DZY26YSCnib4n5nm-DyysJ5DKrWJU3TC6s4i0enxxcLyWjKkKdp75GplTSeWc=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>As you can see it turned out to be a bright, sunny and gorgeous day. Not too hot, not too cold. Perfect!<p></p><p>We ate lunch at a cool neighborhood restaurant called WALK for West Asheville Lounge and Kitchen.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicEpEy3kYdm4TmYMeLEoYZklEmo80RACajP6HXY6KfDRSGEF_eG2q5AK1p8bOaRb7Q_exNfbuwPzGw7S-5yaVadjCGypCq5_JSgAdvtXNgA3l7mh2-IS4liHM9IQETIvTi8GvfyHB3rMUuiHev6LUcxomEYL3ZK0CEx2yWJHNfHru1kqpyG7E_iPavbok" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicEpEy3kYdm4TmYMeLEoYZklEmo80RACajP6HXY6KfDRSGEF_eG2q5AK1p8bOaRb7Q_exNfbuwPzGw7S-5yaVadjCGypCq5_JSgAdvtXNgA3l7mh2-IS4liHM9IQETIvTi8GvfyHB3rMUuiHev6LUcxomEYL3ZK0CEx2yWJHNfHru1kqpyG7E_iPavbok=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Next up the Asheville Botanical Gardens which although mostly bare trees there were some birds on a very cool feeder.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTjfkZcBWYh58xionGGvFaqbc-olcq3BYpfgF48i581fyibFtn0FGyAJpyfGdUg3D8pUhYhl7pGvNJaaO3_06ZCPueWvEW__VjhtYJMS98U4I8tJlNkLPv5vBN_zgteVjIjHmyYZnSbPySk4gG2HcwPPE3CYTa-H6w_BUcGO_mkjpAKSYggV_-lo75MDc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTjfkZcBWYh58xionGGvFaqbc-olcq3BYpfgF48i581fyibFtn0FGyAJpyfGdUg3D8pUhYhl7pGvNJaaO3_06ZCPueWvEW__VjhtYJMS98U4I8tJlNkLPv5vBN_zgteVjIjHmyYZnSbPySk4gG2HcwPPE3CYTa-H6w_BUcGO_mkjpAKSYggV_-lo75MDc=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Winter has it's own beauty.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipWx2aiG7jxCzyKA6w8sGWou-8vrxdS1hiry7q0IjHVcJgeX4vNwT0srEsQ36B5277YnqUCwfiLdbMD8EVMel9Er5YezFLDHUAKpCGX0Otnw_4ccRz1mFLeVEyQMNYst4mfAYaqdyPubLtnFSf9w1YYDNXhHKyuyaBiE4XnwZWBW7EkV-XZxamQnleztI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipWx2aiG7jxCzyKA6w8sGWou-8vrxdS1hiry7q0IjHVcJgeX4vNwT0srEsQ36B5277YnqUCwfiLdbMD8EVMel9Er5YezFLDHUAKpCGX0Otnw_4ccRz1mFLeVEyQMNYst4mfAYaqdyPubLtnFSf9w1YYDNXhHKyuyaBiE4XnwZWBW7EkV-XZxamQnleztI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I'm going to stop right here even though I've more to show you. I know that I have a habit of talking to much and writing too much so maybe it is a good time to quit while I am ahead. That said, one more thing that happened on Saturday that I cannot wait to show my bird loving friends!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwS45t-iBK6dgZbZYOlqKmaSZ_pZo7NRxoO0sDS0IOyUJDS_GSj3C5KOh7msYI-_Vxl4LdtYK9zQGvt6VJA0T-uTKe1rmjjE9uk590cMeZv9T-PXXkFWEJKuO7GDzPOfxkDkvE4e9_7-u_e7qhYl58M12doBW_4HC4vafQszvq1-hvkOUbHoY6az5qRPI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwS45t-iBK6dgZbZYOlqKmaSZ_pZo7NRxoO0sDS0IOyUJDS_GSj3C5KOh7msYI-_Vxl4LdtYK9zQGvt6VJA0T-uTKe1rmjjE9uk590cMeZv9T-PXXkFWEJKuO7GDzPOfxkDkvE4e9_7-u_e7qhYl58M12doBW_4HC4vafQszvq1-hvkOUbHoY6az5qRPI" width="639" /></a></div>I was just coming around the corner in a part of the river walk I don't take advantage of enough and lo and behold I about freaked out! It is a wonder that any of the photos came out I was so excited! That is a male and female Eastern Bluebird. So cute!!<p></p><p>This afternoon, in the middle of writing this I went for my walk and for the first time I saw nothing. Perhaps it is because it is not only crazy windy but the temperature is dropping and is predicted to be 24 degrees tonight!! And to think winter is still days away. <br /><br />your friend,</p><p>Gail<br /></p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-26855376932611045862023-12-14T13:19:00.006-05:002023-12-14T13:57:27.750-05:00An Asheville Rendezvous<p>Good grief it has been far too long since last we met; it was not intentional, but when a son says he wants to meet up before Christmas, but of course that takes precedent over all else! For some time now, Matthew has been flying to New York for work which made him think, "I am on the same continent and all, why not visit with Mom and Dad?" Or something to that effect anyway.</p><p>As fate would have it, our neighbors also own a condo in beautiful Asheville, NC and had been encouraging us to use it to see the city. The plan was hatched and our rendezvous began last Friday night after he was kind enough to take a Lyft from the airport as it was well past our preferred driving time. What a joy it was to see him even though it has only been a few months since our anniversary trip. Thinking back to Covid, we didn't get to see him and Tom for nearly two years! Those were some crazy times as I think we can all agree. Sadly it rained, most of Saturday and Sunday, but we are all first class shoppers so to the mall we went, taking this photo in front of the tree there.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7RLpOBVuPIM1v5qABvmDAQID2709Oc2M8qtf0jzZoyOe33qLg3bFIzIVQeP0yHre6AwujAaAbpFjERaMMWgKOtACzTHwbXH_bxvOBWVfwLSd5zkC1gHRzPw7mebKVsLxJSuAwHOK4VKR2g8zNJdvRmccUfJkwhU62joFNK08sPsXJMzg5B2mRA0Me_UE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="2614" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7RLpOBVuPIM1v5qABvmDAQID2709Oc2M8qtf0jzZoyOe33qLg3bFIzIVQeP0yHre6AwujAaAbpFjERaMMWgKOtACzTHwbXH_bxvOBWVfwLSd5zkC1gHRzPw7mebKVsLxJSuAwHOK4VKR2g8zNJdvRmccUfJkwhU62joFNK08sPsXJMzg5B2mRA0Me_UE=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>One super cool thing that happened while we were eating in the food court is this group from the Asheville Choral Society performing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj38KVWXMdlkFo6f21rlG1OFVmTMw1dPKGsq-8XV811ZMIOtrUWdBmbHaQMuWd3t2qeYaSrl88jp7benbqwNJLpDxW0-2r8TUQ5ThoXMfIji2b9-eMcpmpE7yUAwVypJhrv4BHvCRnhV8yUBj2ITCp9YrnohfyxRMMY_esMn4Ag5uZ8MSCZQi84S7JPkM8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj38KVWXMdlkFo6f21rlG1OFVmTMw1dPKGsq-8XV811ZMIOtrUWdBmbHaQMuWd3t2qeYaSrl88jp7benbqwNJLpDxW0-2r8TUQ5ThoXMfIji2b9-eMcpmpE7yUAwVypJhrv4BHvCRnhV8yUBj2ITCp9YrnohfyxRMMY_esMn4Ag5uZ8MSCZQi84S7JPkM8=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Memory flashback to a time many years ago, almost 30 I think, that came to me. Matthew was but 17 in his first year at FSU and had a red VW Beetle that was old. At the time, I was maybe a little too nervous for my own good, but anyway, Matt was driving home for Christmas and because I was so nervous I corralled Jonathan and his friend Kyle and went to see HM at the old Bob Carr auditorium to distract me from worrying about the drive. Since that time, he has traveled the world in safety and I no longer worry. Well, maybe just a wee bit here and there. :)<p></p><p>There is more to report about Asheville but I would be negligent if I failed to report the time leading up to it, beginning with Fallon sending us an air fryer! In passing I mentioned that I did not bring ours this time, (the one she gave me when my home oven was not working) and she picked right up on that and sent one here. If anyone is counting, this is the third oven she has gifted us, the two air fryers, AND the awesome camping oven which turned out to be miracle worker. Those are some potatoes in the bowl and boy were they good.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju40oiSCZXSxXUcHCOGzm6zznKCz7H_WYw-iHQcn37JxLluQLX81cfNt3gTUm-YqIhobqJhFglkp1C4VbYnM55bFdDwPNhDBVbkQQXYU_UWDLLp00bWuU4p_2yjex65xYV0qxO_PQj3Q70PSHgitp7FyWiF7E6KWxWzST-LUgW9ugNjuBeb8wZc66XL14" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju40oiSCZXSxXUcHCOGzm6zznKCz7H_WYw-iHQcn37JxLluQLX81cfNt3gTUm-YqIhobqJhFglkp1C4VbYnM55bFdDwPNhDBVbkQQXYU_UWDLLp00bWuU4p_2yjex65xYV0qxO_PQj3Q70PSHgitp7FyWiF7E6KWxWzST-LUgW9ugNjuBeb8wZc66XL14=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>In no particular order, let's see what I saw....<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9gcFInAj_3ZCjVxC6m-mLjn1Q9Uk8tJ3uftMhTliqSysFl8-in_jy6a8Uotmnl6Yu_0-pOKRdjqcmGeqViEpkRfJqfG5eL7k-zoAfVtUfVqUqUvVrrVzIazZqeQdPwNctromDttu8quChaeatbOR4ZcrSYCzTz_x7wJlcXUCU1v_xMmohYXnnIbcAYjI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9gcFInAj_3ZCjVxC6m-mLjn1Q9Uk8tJ3uftMhTliqSysFl8-in_jy6a8Uotmnl6Yu_0-pOKRdjqcmGeqViEpkRfJqfG5eL7k-zoAfVtUfVqUqUvVrrVzIazZqeQdPwNctromDttu8quChaeatbOR4ZcrSYCzTz_x7wJlcXUCU1v_xMmohYXnnIbcAYjI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>My Florida friends cannot relate, but gosh, I hope the occasion arises where these sleds become necessary. Not for me, mind you but I can watch! It has been super foggy some mornings,<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8z3f7agX86Xt8g8YQL8aXzi6LZMU7iXgcprRdONWhSi1hBgK7xiSl93A0ybDGBE52oWBru86ju68P1HvEbSfw13GA63VwRB6bbvceyIaBc68TXMVkCZoz0QwxkNYSUrU0oRGPjZKqRAGJWCIsevn5pRYzOuJiPIvKAAUWitzEgBVDQIZsedHI0Nwth9A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8z3f7agX86Xt8g8YQL8aXzi6LZMU7iXgcprRdONWhSi1hBgK7xiSl93A0ybDGBE52oWBru86ju68P1HvEbSfw13GA63VwRB6bbvceyIaBc68TXMVkCZoz0QwxkNYSUrU0oRGPjZKqRAGJWCIsevn5pRYzOuJiPIvKAAUWitzEgBVDQIZsedHI0Nwth9A=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>and frosty most, with the lowest temperature to date of 23 degrees!!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqOXUF8kpDOFhTzXPxuxbB-qoojXhKsUhhc2hddmNfgyQ_7XesCwjlPJ7gFtZ6qcGW5Totyhc8iIYX13RKpFNw_-Cr_vCicFwOewu7201e37IgE5FA8YwdeNjlYGcrRTjdxmun5_rvhVtM6rZi6GxjIOvC5ehow6ZUstZaxnSMCYHcOSwfSmBQqpXFPN8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqOXUF8kpDOFhTzXPxuxbB-qoojXhKsUhhc2hddmNfgyQ_7XesCwjlPJ7gFtZ6qcGW5Totyhc8iIYX13RKpFNw_-Cr_vCicFwOewu7201e37IgE5FA8YwdeNjlYGcrRTjdxmun5_rvhVtM6rZi6GxjIOvC5ehow6ZUstZaxnSMCYHcOSwfSmBQqpXFPN8=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>So far it has been fine by me, but we shall see as the days march on. <p></p><p>In my <a href="https://gpeck.blogspot.com/2023/12/late-fall.html">last post</a> I showed this same spot but with a taller pile of stones.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5wn_wCw_oY2Pvo3zHmH50yAlc56SNVYKjpCxHfchY6bbjGuEltaVBgdUTZdTMJxLbnwH5GkPUec5shc1qqWzAi0O0w6Yge6C13Zr7VA89WeQiKrzAluqwb2v5AzX5MsvMLHGzuB-eM69N-aeJnmRQlB5AdQ0UiErOLWCHmsBrZEe4b9JKiiSrEJ_MvRU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5wn_wCw_oY2Pvo3zHmH50yAlc56SNVYKjpCxHfchY6bbjGuEltaVBgdUTZdTMJxLbnwH5GkPUec5shc1qqWzAi0O0w6Yge6C13Zr7VA89WeQiKrzAluqwb2v5AzX5MsvMLHGzuB-eM69N-aeJnmRQlB5AdQ0UiErOLWCHmsBrZEe4b9JKiiSrEJ_MvRU=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>That same post was filled with foggy photos of the river walk that I often take in the park, very atmospheric and some might say gloomy. As such, let's see how pretty it is when the sun is shining!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2vDP_tsv56Ap0lyGt1Jq34FL7tNJdrLHCBEuJv9kvn20_6cd3XK2gThfHPIHsHt4YXS2TQSeVgkQ8E6ImshZsB8WN5yNcdCK9FNIqcmeJHK8GIKhrr-WHzmjyqYE-G63_XPpoMn8mi9cnxbMUshYZDST7QM2Uqh00mq_rTOh1UHbW6EatIHKTtxiXQsA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2vDP_tsv56Ap0lyGt1Jq34FL7tNJdrLHCBEuJv9kvn20_6cd3XK2gThfHPIHsHt4YXS2TQSeVgkQ8E6ImshZsB8WN5yNcdCK9FNIqcmeJHK8GIKhrr-WHzmjyqYE-G63_XPpoMn8mi9cnxbMUshYZDST7QM2Uqh00mq_rTOh1UHbW6EatIHKTtxiXQsA" width="640" /></a></div>So many of these types of shots I take to record what things look like at different times of the year. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWWWuKSPtQOuiHLaXpl1SNop8pqGR1hLj0R7xeNlrVDSEcCPBD4Ay3n7RN5TQ8AS-sgAmbBWM8uBijoo5vNDBMVf6P2xkUUl-6FvO-gdU3wqoZFl7LJwFTpIaEEZ5U1YcFHMCfrdXv5Jb2I0sT1qfiuCSvOgRNWKODWT1q8DlIBL_g00NyJ2nf-XuIzM4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWWWuKSPtQOuiHLaXpl1SNop8pqGR1hLj0R7xeNlrVDSEcCPBD4Ay3n7RN5TQ8AS-sgAmbBWM8uBijoo5vNDBMVf6P2xkUUl-6FvO-gdU3wqoZFl7LJwFTpIaEEZ5U1YcFHMCfrdXv5Jb2I0sT1qfiuCSvOgRNWKODWT1q8DlIBL_g00NyJ2nf-XuIzM4=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Forgive me if I have mentioned it before, a real problem for us seniors, but when we got here in the summer, the water was high and John called it a lake. Okay, not like any lake we've ever seen, but who are we to argue? Another thing we both thought was it did not look very inviting because it was brownish and I am here to explain why that is the case. Duh, the bottom of the river bed is BROWN and the water is so clear, well, you can put two and two together I have no doubt! Whatever color, it has been such a blessing to me.<p></p><p>Speaking of blessings, Bruce won this super cool vase by Harry Hearne a pickleballer and local celebrated potter. You can find his work <a href="https://www.turningpointclaystudio.com/">here</a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdi_Fp8cQh2f0FPrJZN1Oo5PO5OECfqpfrmyV4AVfaaMz2961GYOoWxFQuyBmEiv6FNEJMHYJSm2r2pguipckSvtk9907tfljoWahXIFn-hstsYV2PpZHP_F6xawh_MurJ8i8InZPk_NFsNKeXDUKIdX57wX_cgI2LM3bjETiDrQxiONmXDlJ1fo4Mc_Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3249" data-original-width="4327" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdi_Fp8cQh2f0FPrJZN1Oo5PO5OECfqpfrmyV4AVfaaMz2961GYOoWxFQuyBmEiv6FNEJMHYJSm2r2pguipckSvtk9907tfljoWahXIFn-hstsYV2PpZHP_F6xawh_MurJ8i8InZPk_NFsNKeXDUKIdX57wX_cgI2LM3bjETiDrQxiONmXDlJ1fo4Mc_Y=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The little bird was already perched on the shelf albeit with a broken tail but Mr. Peck took care of that. There was a charity drawing and my husband entered and lo and behold, he won! You may recall the photos from the folk school festival of Harry and his lovely wife Julie in costume as Morris dancers. Oh what the heck, <a href="https://gpeck.blogspot.com/2023/10/pumpkins-hike-and-festival.html">here's</a> the link to that post. <p></p><p>Charity also comes in the form of toys and what we have learned since being here is the Valley River Picklers, led by Cobby Barfield and Nancy Frahmann are keen to participate. Turns out I had my camera that day and I took a few shots, one of which was published in this week's Cherokee Scout, Uncredited which was a shame because it would have been fun to see my name in the Scout! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwNSrAZxWYeT9AiBLvjg360foytxKne14CxMWovqyX7E5fwMlDihBqYzjNRmnnbT_MqDlOBVvHgrYD0fsv0AGMkOYx-6JkuEsVsAjYfdHC0p2dEWDop5g1HsckWuT31K5Q5mJJaFby4d8C0E9uG5AzR_WH7Vz1xuGmV4F9HNJ6eK1dk8D4bE6KPs5_fXo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3138" data-original-width="4456" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwNSrAZxWYeT9AiBLvjg360foytxKne14CxMWovqyX7E5fwMlDihBqYzjNRmnnbT_MqDlOBVvHgrYD0fsv0AGMkOYx-6JkuEsVsAjYfdHC0p2dEWDop5g1HsckWuT31K5Q5mJJaFby4d8C0E9uG5AzR_WH7Vz1xuGmV4F9HNJ6eK1dk8D4bE6KPs5_fXo=w640-h450" width="640" /></a></div>At the same time, the group gathered for a "pickleball family" shot.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglE63fd988W_G3tohHrivLb2TnN6okMk4ik6UtdPT3yX9TauiNLZm0CrcoBl70-BpenlNCS4iUP-j_RrVHsHhFuazsjIf1poF-a8qai9oj-3GsUQWdbwlDaQQbc_uvz2CcEP4mfpSvlhuzscAP3vlpxKlxClWGmzkc7s9heau_xDUDYx2JZwZ4JqjM_BA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglE63fd988W_G3tohHrivLb2TnN6okMk4ik6UtdPT3yX9TauiNLZm0CrcoBl70-BpenlNCS4iUP-j_RrVHsHhFuazsjIf1poF-a8qai9oj-3GsUQWdbwlDaQQbc_uvz2CcEP4mfpSvlhuzscAP3vlpxKlxClWGmzkc7s9heau_xDUDYx2JZwZ4JqjM_BA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Fully half, or maybe more, have Florida connections! I have been nursing my side injury and finally I may have turned the corner. Talking with our son David, he reminded me of the time he had what seems like a very similar injury diagnosed as an intercostal strain. While I have not been to the doctor, I am certain I am suffering from the same. Our friend Ann, took a tumble some months ago and did the very same thing. The three of us all agreed it is far more painful than you can imagine without having one yourself. Trust me, you do not want it. Healing takes anywhere from a few days to several months!! I know Matt was alarmed at his parents, what with my rib and Bruce's knee suffering from arthritis, made worse by the cold and rain, but he need not have worried. Seemingly we bounce back just fine, just takes a little longer when you are in your eighth decade. Well, technically I am not there just yet, but what is 16 days amongst friends? <p></p><p>Bucee's fans will get a kick out of this photo taken at a crazy house across the street from the gym.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOpWn7iF5PViU-SJ96fvsK9Xh01-myOWqwvu04Xb4GapzdTTCVEm2P9IF4G_wfl3DvDLvqZaN-PnYgIpzIuF2F7LH0Q4gF8e0P7Odic2rqFm2SxllhEEG5VW3jGD-Va9O4d91HVbxCI6GqHEaDsdNGvsUl8D-sPTIlXTQkt-kUAoXF44Fzb_diUtOxaSs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOpWn7iF5PViU-SJ96fvsK9Xh01-myOWqwvu04Xb4GapzdTTCVEm2P9IF4G_wfl3DvDLvqZaN-PnYgIpzIuF2F7LH0Q4gF8e0P7Odic2rqFm2SxllhEEG5VW3jGD-Va9O4d91HVbxCI6GqHEaDsdNGvsUl8D-sPTIlXTQkt-kUAoXF44Fzb_diUtOxaSs=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>From the looks of things, the owner has a variety of interests.<p></p><p>Another look at a few of our wonderful ornaments! What story would they tell if they could speak? Why did someone give them away? So many questions with no answers.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgUVTYcvq8rJk8lfsEIifGW83yMRnqQDuqm6vGmdmA9sebxMWvfXaTbqHKU6aWIpOYovyy2tGnPbhykOwdsZgeIDG_5mfVEXMn6OJVcsS_FGuCdkFypvGRCrw-SHtkVxRleH4Uv6f4VA0q8cTqnjlq-6IPWwLxzxkPthJOmSZI8cE5YR8BE7xuK5z3Hc0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgUVTYcvq8rJk8lfsEIifGW83yMRnqQDuqm6vGmdmA9sebxMWvfXaTbqHKU6aWIpOYovyy2tGnPbhykOwdsZgeIDG_5mfVEXMn6OJVcsS_FGuCdkFypvGRCrw-SHtkVxRleH4Uv6f4VA0q8cTqnjlq-6IPWwLxzxkPthJOmSZI8cE5YR8BE7xuK5z3Hc0=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Deer caught in the headlights.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVNWBH9eVRl6ZyyimjHzhHA0QK5yYN1At2EmcMYgOInDJwybPRj5zmhYyceSXyhl7ynEup6PrLgW_K7MonZhy1O18OU1YM6NgOIgmqLidNjlO9geaQhVriiJE6uZRfbJOw1637UZPytMbjX2CLu9Tmx7MO1ZJtKow_Q2g7xx9okNPxIxJhzHvIMTJJtWU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVNWBH9eVRl6ZyyimjHzhHA0QK5yYN1At2EmcMYgOInDJwybPRj5zmhYyceSXyhl7ynEup6PrLgW_K7MonZhy1O18OU1YM6NgOIgmqLidNjlO9geaQhVriiJE6uZRfbJOw1637UZPytMbjX2CLu9Tmx7MO1ZJtKow_Q2g7xx9okNPxIxJhzHvIMTJJtWU=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>An earlier post I talked about seeing Dark Eyed Junco, but had little photographic evidence to support my claim. Now I have.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJQI69qr_WpC6P9dcQfTTXRv53WcX1k7cHH0vHQKvgHl5g54xoeX6IiskSPjzqU4T6kFtuMw9Zd8rkzC2hh9tdGlDf_uqCG8yNZWi-e3kZEnJaYVxNf4g741NKr661u__P6cCCR4c4x0CXa7rnSUsrj0x4ol7aLZ4mXir_4iVxB31NdFjqKmuo1swJssc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJQI69qr_WpC6P9dcQfTTXRv53WcX1k7cHH0vHQKvgHl5g54xoeX6IiskSPjzqU4T6kFtuMw9Zd8rkzC2hh9tdGlDf_uqCG8yNZWi-e3kZEnJaYVxNf4g741NKr661u__P6cCCR4c4x0CXa7rnSUsrj0x4ol7aLZ4mXir_4iVxB31NdFjqKmuo1swJssc=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Grey with an almost pink little beak. The good thing about winter is the birds are easy to spot amongst the leafless branches. Below is the Eastern Towhee. Or at least the back of it! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEbBnIT-JShuc_-5euaOVPaznMqTfrUtU_oF1xteawQSxwudCZkFL9pJ1FIMeAQogrcIksygsTroNBKRcB7h2DawsUZHOWUnRVUFdLNtK0fn-eL7whLepXgHSFHkDVXqlFO2D7tKTaU1PTQk__ZkGA4gzElgUU6-owUMnX5Gqugi4MSoRt6i-jFVZyndQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEbBnIT-JShuc_-5euaOVPaznMqTfrUtU_oF1xteawQSxwudCZkFL9pJ1FIMeAQogrcIksygsTroNBKRcB7h2DawsUZHOWUnRVUFdLNtK0fn-eL7whLepXgHSFHkDVXqlFO2D7tKTaU1PTQk__ZkGA4gzElgUU6-owUMnX5Gqugi4MSoRt6i-jFVZyndQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>While we were gone the birds cleaned out the feeder so upon our return we quickly filled them up as the birds have been very much appreciating the seed. The Carolina Chickadees are plentiful and oh so cute.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzObKOQ6T0fVpkNmozmBFaDp1fToOrR_8gmiPSS3Xv2c3YpoAk64WzM8GIOPuwjDMXJoIVCdxfQ1XBTTzNpvgvtgP957ushoIg3MNZ3W5iHNpQoRDWe8LIHe-RS4H2IM0HkzqtrV68WGl_G-eM2QHlcravToVJDjApBXsl416FW9eo1tSNANkxRbPeqU4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2902" data-original-width="3968" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzObKOQ6T0fVpkNmozmBFaDp1fToOrR_8gmiPSS3Xv2c3YpoAk64WzM8GIOPuwjDMXJoIVCdxfQ1XBTTzNpvgvtgP957ushoIg3MNZ3W5iHNpQoRDWe8LIHe-RS4H2IM0HkzqtrV68WGl_G-eM2QHlcravToVJDjApBXsl416FW9eo1tSNANkxRbPeqU4=w640-h468" width="640" /></a></div>Do you notice how puffed up it appears? It seems to me it has something to do with it being very cold!<p></p><p>Robins, I see them regularly, but each encounter is a joy and a privilege.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4I0RoWkFnstDKHfJ5a6reUX4FMwk0ZGCc4fgTv9oZqgEGV-uE40Z-mdd_ugjqnKItsUDYk33Zf2_F7jWnt8-1M8gBIFSn7_XRuKImaM8f0A2xktv8X-q5blD0RpwN5l0DcG2boibNvoDSa5FY7hWGTVi-RP0I0F45mWXG_truspSQYhljxX3qyA0jijU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4I0RoWkFnstDKHfJ5a6reUX4FMwk0ZGCc4fgTv9oZqgEGV-uE40Z-mdd_ugjqnKItsUDYk33Zf2_F7jWnt8-1M8gBIFSn7_XRuKImaM8f0A2xktv8X-q5blD0RpwN5l0DcG2boibNvoDSa5FY7hWGTVi-RP0I0F45mWXG_truspSQYhljxX3qyA0jijU=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>As Christmas draws near we are of course missing our friends and family, but at the same time, we are so enjoying a change of scenery. Yes, it is cold but that's what coats, boots, gloves and hats are for. We Floridians sometimes don't realize how good we have it only having, basically, one wardrobe. All the cold weather gear is very expensive. <p></p><p>Perhaps I should leave you for now with this photo I took a few weeks ago at Wal Mart. Can you imagine?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1uNm41m62JEYEe3JNKz5kLFjZU_A0eObeG9ZY_46BlLlNkQxZ4vyChfhkauFaa9Lqphvou1IbsPnK2qy9GFWQavXkqAhbPq9xUfOhDj7e4cCOX5-aNafXQNlCnmDEFRky7Sy82iqvZa2JQ1CfO_hUu7RQqQU70TBWjYlMgBZoYNL7gdjEzbfEcepfYdY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1uNm41m62JEYEe3JNKz5kLFjZU_A0eObeG9ZY_46BlLlNkQxZ4vyChfhkauFaa9Lqphvou1IbsPnK2qy9GFWQavXkqAhbPq9xUfOhDj7e4cCOX5-aNafXQNlCnmDEFRky7Sy82iqvZa2JQ1CfO_hUu7RQqQU70TBWjYlMgBZoYNL7gdjEzbfEcepfYdY" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Seemingly there are a lot of ugly sweater competitions going on in these parts! By golly, I just realized I didn't talk about the Christmas parade that we watched from this perch at the First Methodist church.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfpqYqQyA1pl-pkOMrq5TP1oSU56x-I8x98XGsEWt1TvcZFDgZW67SBgoPXDJHbhL0xqMneNNZ_H4kecKulcL5eetJo4Umc_VdoArnnq-WU33fOF1HoijMKjf_oR8eeN8eqoL5EZxIGmcSPo29nKaSNoF4OmSfJovw-wUI36ojGFDzFaZLjvX0dXcq6lg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfpqYqQyA1pl-pkOMrq5TP1oSU56x-I8x98XGsEWt1TvcZFDgZW67SBgoPXDJHbhL0xqMneNNZ_H4kecKulcL5eetJo4Umc_VdoArnnq-WU33fOF1HoijMKjf_oR8eeN8eqoL5EZxIGmcSPo29nKaSNoF4OmSfJovw-wUI36ojGFDzFaZLjvX0dXcq6lg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Unfortunately most of the photos were trash, including this one, but here it is anyway. Clamoring for candy is what is happening.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyR8shtyD6fI88XB98Sz3wlogZ1KmWDs6cEq9py6Yp5StbBDh-1AIYPIcJtj9VS_0P1hPwWtXjjYr0E9rBTiuQroywoH2Lby3ZQheYRI1n9tHQKvLjAX-iOtEeNBghuSd_9jceCDjnlfbctmIfvOCP67oXoiu9rtCDcmkk7JnaTgzSwUyzjcdJfgC4_8M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyR8shtyD6fI88XB98Sz3wlogZ1KmWDs6cEq9py6Yp5StbBDh-1AIYPIcJtj9VS_0P1hPwWtXjjYr0E9rBTiuQroywoH2Lby3ZQheYRI1n9tHQKvLjAX-iOtEeNBghuSd_9jceCDjnlfbctmIfvOCP67oXoiu9rtCDcmkk7JnaTgzSwUyzjcdJfgC4_8M" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></div>We thoroughly enjoyed every moment and are grateful we are seeing life, for now anyway, with new eyes. <a href="https://gpeck.blogspot.com/2017/12/the-fog-has-lifted.html">In this post from 2017</a> we enjoyed the Vancouver Christmas parade. Being able to relive experiences is one of the things I most love about having blogged now since 2007!!! <p></p><p>Our Asheville rendezvous with Matthew while short and sweet, was a Christmas blessing. </p><p>May you all have your own Christmas blessings this very week. </p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail</p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-22426755455791270262023-12-03T15:42:00.004-05:002023-12-03T15:42:39.751-05:00Late Fall<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">As I was lying under our comfy quilt this morning, I let my mind jump all over the place. Oh wait...that happens all of the time not just while I am lying in bed! Seriously, one minute I am singing in my head, "Emanuel", and the next I am pondering the worth of travel. Have you ever thought about how lots of people love traveling and then there are those who don't? Countless times at parties, or when you are just getting to know people, travel accomplishments quickly filter into the conversation, don't they? Or maybe it is just me that has had that experience. As for me, </span><span style="text-align: left;"> I love seeing new places, but at the same time, I love staying put. Perhaps that is why we are enjoying this adventure so much because we are enjoying something different like travel, but in our case, for an extended experience? </span></div><p></p><p>In all seriousness, these thoughts were formed yesterday afternoon during my walk on what I would ordinarily call a very ugly day except despite the continued gloom I was so blessed to see all sorts of exciting things such as the little guy below!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8-1IiC-PoRfT21yhbW2KYOJw8XOIwP72qJTrZaXO2Tgx-DaoM2b96CIFJQYAGP9qONxwofep2ojWZr9-VNt_jb0Qq2tWSXs2T_j-iwcCO0_AOVnUhqrwQFO9_zJKCPpyxzTJHztIomAIR-6nrFCk1rT9v4odobkM8E6PoaJOCdENZnRmVvrGwbs2zxNU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2811" data-original-width="4023" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8-1IiC-PoRfT21yhbW2KYOJw8XOIwP72qJTrZaXO2Tgx-DaoM2b96CIFJQYAGP9qONxwofep2ojWZr9-VNt_jb0Qq2tWSXs2T_j-iwcCO0_AOVnUhqrwQFO9_zJKCPpyxzTJHztIomAIR-6nrFCk1rT9v4odobkM8E6PoaJOCdENZnRmVvrGwbs2zxNU=w640-h448" width="640" /></a></div>To begin with, I imagine you are wondering how my body is feeling and the answer to that is that it is not feeling like it was before the fall, however, aside from a sore rib and a scraped knee, I am on my way to recovery. So I guess that was Monday, and while the weather was cold on that fateful day, it was no match for the ensuing two days when the temperature plunged to 18! Look at the ice on the bird feeder! Much to my surprise, that is a winter Goldfinch. Actually I took it in dim morning light and it was only after looking at the photograph on my computer that I was able to identify it.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioPEUqOVN8w7XbeyPDxrha4Ufzf5mvMwKzep4gumWTKcy5eOKF0rfFvX3TlymIdfPUqE90CoYCAibTv0i2gK-lWyrE0tjoBuMd-bhLWMMQ0ddo6VRzUkR2RnroH7rE3tM9FfBztY1KDP_ev1iCHekV4BRmg67IluyzZtV_zBT2hcHNKjg877_B4qzVg3g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioPEUqOVN8w7XbeyPDxrha4Ufzf5mvMwKzep4gumWTKcy5eOKF0rfFvX3TlymIdfPUqE90CoYCAibTv0i2gK-lWyrE0tjoBuMd-bhLWMMQ0ddo6VRzUkR2RnroH7rE3tM9FfBztY1KDP_ev1iCHekV4BRmg67IluyzZtV_zBT2hcHNKjg877_B4qzVg3g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>But of course I had to go exploring.</div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7A6LhAQ1e9h8gkquSSaG3fJSE3vHNDXxxSG6l2XUBa29tq6R3_D42_bWY0h4nnUwwDXY7jy7Wo8V7s8blpYMr4txCA0knn0UQI586srMfIy9sr5eaFd8IbeBP-jMvTflsAQ-lz93YZ9n6MQtWeGLFs0iu4TxK97nTBpb1xXtFXu7eHr8Scp-j-tYlVlk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7A6LhAQ1e9h8gkquSSaG3fJSE3vHNDXxxSG6l2XUBa29tq6R3_D42_bWY0h4nnUwwDXY7jy7Wo8V7s8blpYMr4txCA0knn0UQI586srMfIy9sr5eaFd8IbeBP-jMvTflsAQ-lz93YZ9n6MQtWeGLFs0iu4TxK97nTBpb1xXtFXu7eHr8Scp-j-tYlVlk=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Lots of pretty frost on the ground.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuyu7b6MSes6Lo6aGkwNyL3wH7K9fdeiUjQvl0n22rfmNi_kgmRKtnycfSxr4wa6ppMWb6AcRiXl0hW_8jK_R5prDMz2qxVTiF5MIt1Y6EhlGo32bda58sBNig5a3rxdZjLJk6qVjh3qjYgQq2KidM1eQKo85Kmy7PH-9eXkZnxL0j-Tg5Nqcw_CyW-c0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuyu7b6MSes6Lo6aGkwNyL3wH7K9fdeiUjQvl0n22rfmNi_kgmRKtnycfSxr4wa6ppMWb6AcRiXl0hW_8jK_R5prDMz2qxVTiF5MIt1Y6EhlGo32bda58sBNig5a3rxdZjLJk6qVjh3qjYgQq2KidM1eQKo85Kmy7PH-9eXkZnxL0j-Tg5Nqcw_CyW-c0=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Excitement Gail? Carry on....</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Two trips to Blairsville, one fruitful and the other a test run. It won't surprise you in the least to know that the possibility exists that I wrote down the wrong date for my doctor's appointment. Because it is not the first time I have pulled this stunt, I am willing to take the blame, but still I am left puzzling as to how both Bruce and I wrote it down incorrectly. At any rate, the weather was pleasant unlike the rainy days that followed making that was most certainly a plus. A golf course following days of freezing weather. Looks pretty doesn't it? The drive is about 22 miles with almost no traffic making for smooth sailing.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXVZjn5CQzImyXYhOb2qfF9LOEmDVONdXWNyhRFIMcAuDmcT-jvRLc0MJVSlv5a3STb6eU3-XONvXnems3e0u4a4__FvFXKbFKOsZWFg4DmNqyTG7xeTMEfy7sRYVSPA7Oi2QME4IaW39Vh16wsXhAnHzknrE4wQgvMTZnw-Ug-be0j-GT-HXZ0ItLmoQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="4608" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXVZjn5CQzImyXYhOb2qfF9LOEmDVONdXWNyhRFIMcAuDmcT-jvRLc0MJVSlv5a3STb6eU3-XONvXnems3e0u4a4__FvFXKbFKOsZWFg4DmNqyTG7xeTMEfy7sRYVSPA7Oi2QME4IaW39Vh16wsXhAnHzknrE4wQgvMTZnw-Ug-be0j-GT-HXZ0ItLmoQ=w640-h454" width="640" /></a></div><div>While we were in Blairsville, it looks like the courthouse is in the same quandary as the rest of us. When do we get rid of our pumpkins?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgArufYy7yhyDbAqlC0fKPJIoZfSSaqGcZE4rDjPlc6VeGkyBDilnktIa-OPzJKhA3t1vte3G0UvMbg4Q01tDMtuP36DpCkYm2X85nETZ3IRPCgJmpq4WpSCsplFx6cALO83po_uxkBuvE5T4CsmiHG4pT_-Ut0PiQvvvoPvggZohmUqcyp4sqbcu25Cqc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4459" data-original-width="3344" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgArufYy7yhyDbAqlC0fKPJIoZfSSaqGcZE4rDjPlc6VeGkyBDilnktIa-OPzJKhA3t1vte3G0UvMbg4Q01tDMtuP36DpCkYm2X85nETZ3IRPCgJmpq4WpSCsplFx6cALO83po_uxkBuvE5T4CsmiHG4pT_-Ut0PiQvvvoPvggZohmUqcyp4sqbcu25Cqc=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>The museum housed inside the beautiful courthouse has many interesting things to ponder, including this super neat quilt tracing the history of the area that has become known as Blairsville, GA.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSLHQMLP5O-CYjPGycJvFsnXhsqgx82ymaM0kjbsc2mjQ4WQluXR1bL21ZBXYhNjv-vKC3ZoDGV17cAlOEcvQLfIzuCsbPHVr5Ck21i5_P_s_8XpeX4IJ1hOKErYUQUjHqVXpO-vFVDhatPE8QAs8eZ6b6yau1udJoooaR8RTZy7xGRQeFd_tmWc8544M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSLHQMLP5O-CYjPGycJvFsnXhsqgx82ymaM0kjbsc2mjQ4WQluXR1bL21ZBXYhNjv-vKC3ZoDGV17cAlOEcvQLfIzuCsbPHVr5Ck21i5_P_s_8XpeX4IJ1hOKErYUQUjHqVXpO-vFVDhatPE8QAs8eZ6b6yau1udJoooaR8RTZy7xGRQeFd_tmWc8544M=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>3. I neglected to mention two things, we have switched over to the Methodist church because while we really liked the little one, in the end, it was just plain too small. We missed seeing children running around and a real choir. If that sounds selfish, I am in agreement with you. Because we are new and the only way to meet folks is to put yourself out there, we gathered with others to decorate the church last Sunday afternoon.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3OkHW0hTMpIjToQpIovngIrFAvoakvTpYIAU0br6mNgRR9Ee-F5-UYlAVB6FNfhrG7SBrTKEjVtV2c1CkHnGkAeG8eLR4qActnlG9GAXrHtXMVRpoFs1V9YXj1SiuKegmsRYqk8kP0CRMWsOI-nliP8uqssEwETWULEiVOLGJJ8dQIGUZEvWVcoKo4dA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3OkHW0hTMpIjToQpIovngIrFAvoakvTpYIAU0br6mNgRR9Ee-F5-UYlAVB6FNfhrG7SBrTKEjVtV2c1CkHnGkAeG8eLR4qActnlG9GAXrHtXMVRpoFs1V9YXj1SiuKegmsRYqk8kP0CRMWsOI-nliP8uqssEwETWULEiVOLGJJ8dQIGUZEvWVcoKo4dA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Homemade chicken noodle soup was available following this, as well as Advent wreath making with all supplies provided. With a little help from the ladies, we now have one on the dining table and we lit the first candle for lunch today.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. My prints arrived!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTC7OXHAHuh-t__7xb7NSRxI30WkVHTQPZM-F5uf1KO6bQxcaXkI5ifOiPJR7DmLXwz2mGMc4ZwvWAynYkVZFdWhEnp_pwpbDqOR5ZKVtl6fGldLIvV9hjnR80eHqBcx-iKc2exwJE-PkoGN6bKjs_Gf9sEvgj9HTu014bUQhZc-3YPhm_VWAPq58nZrA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTC7OXHAHuh-t__7xb7NSRxI30WkVHTQPZM-F5uf1KO6bQxcaXkI5ifOiPJR7DmLXwz2mGMc4ZwvWAynYkVZFdWhEnp_pwpbDqOR5ZKVtl6fGldLIvV9hjnR80eHqBcx-iKc2exwJE-PkoGN6bKjs_Gf9sEvgj9HTu014bUQhZc-3YPhm_VWAPq58nZrA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>As is always the case, the print quality on archival art paper is outstanding. They have been delivered to the shop in their wonderful crate and what happens next is out of our hands. Hopefully good things, but one never knows.<br /><br />5. Christmas tree lighting!! Originally scheduled for Friday night, they moved it to Thursday because heavy rain was predicted. It was none other than the now-familiar Laura, along with the mayor of Murphy, who presided over the event. Now it is not the first time that I've been to something like this, but the difference here is that it is all so easy. Parking, the crowd, the safety. What is NOT to like?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1FcttvdydRslcFCqmCPYzceQ0Sg4zB_Nh5Sxmn74dp0dLmgxzpX3Onq-dVpzt9lkr4GTkCTZkS2-t3c3mcEbRgtItbJKhY83EPZPPHwAKLgfDBC_Nv7qwznag-bKjG2BqBjkWx_BJjwJweEInzrh8Gzf1FsmzWw4eo6brMtOAUx6Sd4EjTslRMyNQueQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1FcttvdydRslcFCqmCPYzceQ0Sg4zB_Nh5Sxmn74dp0dLmgxzpX3Onq-dVpzt9lkr4GTkCTZkS2-t3c3mcEbRgtItbJKhY83EPZPPHwAKLgfDBC_Nv7qwznag-bKjG2BqBjkWx_BJjwJweEInzrh8Gzf1FsmzWw4eo6brMtOAUx6Sd4EjTslRMyNQueQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>It was Laura who led the singing of Christmas songs before she plugged in the tree which sits in one of the four, what they call pocket parks, on the corner of Tennessee and Valley River.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-AdsNzifiS-XUm-kiek_wVP_QbpNrSZrwVlfGEKNoZ-r16Am7zme3YSb7j1Ert99LN3UJyhfW5FgN_RF-gal6CNEhzRz-xv8PHIMaternyDoApx27ue71NfF8KyaS9He_CGf1NVMco2hiPZDWnyrTtyjb8F6ep-lIlGCxtVhilmpGaiYwk5Cr0-W05qE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-AdsNzifiS-XUm-kiek_wVP_QbpNrSZrwVlfGEKNoZ-r16Am7zme3YSb7j1Ert99LN3UJyhfW5FgN_RF-gal6CNEhzRz-xv8PHIMaternyDoApx27ue71NfF8KyaS9He_CGf1NVMco2hiPZDWnyrTtyjb8F6ep-lIlGCxtVhilmpGaiYwk5Cr0-W05qE=w512-h640" width="512" /></a></div>It took a while but I am finally getting the hang of the street naming here which more often than not uses geography for naming. Looking in the direction of the photograph, the road is called Tennessee. If I were to stand beside the tree, looking the other way, the street is called Peachtree because it goes to Peachtree. Just like how we talked about Talc Mine recently which, btw, if you weren't able to open the link to the NYT article about the mine collapse, as I was not, Matthew sent me the link to the article about the tragic accident.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy1RDyENKAzGYIeQk-1XDBIlAxwUzz3o1XI8OeEC8BmQtgD1H7qhp3sYBMpcUbGm7-_nH9fZKb5t6In0y9W1T0PLwpP4q6LmkViuXQ5jiRRC5iBCgLZaq3EVQAjbSGYXJklZkE6l0iJH5yovPLVl_6ES3nGN0y9I62Q-pzg_8TK7eStxsZuuhM8H0Mv90" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="589" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy1RDyENKAzGYIeQk-1XDBIlAxwUzz3o1XI8OeEC8BmQtgD1H7qhp3sYBMpcUbGm7-_nH9fZKb5t6In0y9W1T0PLwpP4q6LmkViuXQ5jiRRC5iBCgLZaq3EVQAjbSGYXJklZkE6l0iJH5yovPLVl_6ES3nGN0y9I62Q-pzg_8TK7eStxsZuuhM8H0Mv90=w347-h640" width="347" /></a></div>As a refresher, we drive on Talc Mine Road most every day.</div><div><br /></div><div>6. It was on Friday that the weather was so gloomy, as I mentioned above, but what an afternoon for photography with the gloom and the low fog along the river. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let's walk, shall we?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYtVnGm7bOunAM1nTd_ydnWnIhA9jHMgQmNRrJ6cvAkhSfKwRPh08znakK1whe6PNoCNo3hWSusNunW9GuJn9MOlhCp7Cmg2M9TNWeyeWTZ_nKfDwfiLI4JCBkP9tgpWXZ_gEG_thjezJ8cqVg3UKsW2XvtBu9J0NXD8u2EjR11MjsekgCOozZMXcu7zk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYtVnGm7bOunAM1nTd_ydnWnIhA9jHMgQmNRrJ6cvAkhSfKwRPh08znakK1whe6PNoCNo3hWSusNunW9GuJn9MOlhCp7Cmg2M9TNWeyeWTZ_nKfDwfiLI4JCBkP9tgpWXZ_gEG_thjezJ8cqVg3UKsW2XvtBu9J0NXD8u2EjR11MjsekgCOozZMXcu7zk=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Continuing our way on the paved path,</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlwLlrnFtxYCbw7rxCKRgrPUAQja1Ed0Vyo8-oXPlCfJC0z5Y5SbkTQ2dSjaMvbXQatqwvXR0HcwLoFw8WcX7w5zjb5d2zBD81E11JYch1uMRMLS8CCay7-tOxmTFA2NbySYjXtMnyGs9BXJGyXKfePF0fW8MAOU3k7KQ68KmTpT-pVB67dcVCP6A462s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlwLlrnFtxYCbw7rxCKRgrPUAQja1Ed0Vyo8-oXPlCfJC0z5Y5SbkTQ2dSjaMvbXQatqwvXR0HcwLoFw8WcX7w5zjb5d2zBD81E11JYch1uMRMLS8CCay7-tOxmTFA2NbySYjXtMnyGs9BXJGyXKfePF0fW8MAOU3k7KQ68KmTpT-pVB67dcVCP6A462s" width="640" /></a></div>Perhaps you are wondering what I was wearing and that is a good topic to tackle right about now. I am the first to admit that my clothing choices for this segment of our adventure were less than ideal. First off, I hate wearing pants, but obviously my preference goes out the window when confronted with the above. Trying to coordinate outfits with what I brought, between undershirts, overshirts, jackets or sweaters has proven to be challenging. But of course that is part of the adventure isn't it?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL_VlqgWI_h8qQvTc3BY0w0FPmit_fqEozzWmUK25BHCw-teUdtBg_3l-zGfdHPbRix4yoEJJKkgPuxDpdVfUjKEML-ix9oRVjKUugh5cf8W562ZTl2md4S8yLM7a2ZD3jFHSpUQo-LB2-lMBx9zEgHDTdGNxk3OEhcZ54kqGKPbT_T_voC8PJLZVYMBU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL_VlqgWI_h8qQvTc3BY0w0FPmit_fqEozzWmUK25BHCw-teUdtBg_3l-zGfdHPbRix4yoEJJKkgPuxDpdVfUjKEML-ix9oRVjKUugh5cf8W562ZTl2md4S8yLM7a2ZD3jFHSpUQo-LB2-lMBx9zEgHDTdGNxk3OEhcZ54kqGKPbT_T_voC8PJLZVYMBU=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Right about now you might be wondering what the heck is there to photograph and I am here to tell you there was a LOT. Birds, and by birds I mean hundreds of migrating birds! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0O5ISwf6wdY0uv5AVG0cD_9SgjrdBEc2LcLqVZjap7i0tUNJqq-27IY5Mc-oSQutwBgzVtzstU3bixtBDyCWCd6wW6C1f_qiwXY7gHZGlYdTzhplwHUsRgKHchKaAiGxoAj10fvPd3OeZ_wk8_25NANOfcG_PWLf7ErMqhIm7aIEcBEcm2cry1WIjpiE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0O5ISwf6wdY0uv5AVG0cD_9SgjrdBEc2LcLqVZjap7i0tUNJqq-27IY5Mc-oSQutwBgzVtzstU3bixtBDyCWCd6wW6C1f_qiwXY7gHZGlYdTzhplwHUsRgKHchKaAiGxoAj10fvPd3OeZ_wk8_25NANOfcG_PWLf7ErMqhIm7aIEcBEcm2cry1WIjpiE=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Because of the lighting conditions it was not within my power to distinguish what birds they were, however, I have Merlin to help we with those types of situations. In this instance, they proved to be Starlings. And how about these Robins!!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBipEcgTt4YfoealWEGPj1Jfm0hUWW4bt713zrosihN7qp5L7-YFYpiKMqUqIqRQxjFHS6s-Lve5mpKgfFgoVx99ywZdKedrnyv1Jtpcsx8LGhHlM1xxOaO7csEaobeVWcc2lhwtUez_xHChDpSxmHvMYZ7wkcu1MimLADf5FdgXM3p74T2GoLobZn7Vs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBipEcgTt4YfoealWEGPj1Jfm0hUWW4bt713zrosihN7qp5L7-YFYpiKMqUqIqRQxjFHS6s-Lve5mpKgfFgoVx99ywZdKedrnyv1Jtpcsx8LGhHlM1xxOaO7csEaobeVWcc2lhwtUez_xHChDpSxmHvMYZ7wkcu1MimLADf5FdgXM3p74T2GoLobZn7Vs=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Do you see them clustered on the baseball field? </div><div><br /></div><div>Someone was kind enough to leave this for visitors to discover.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2YSbuzdjgLNXomFUTTpX_dJt3UyocOFCDO1pzNLDHWgtldJxyow5L5skDYOAsTWDl7XyJQ2xH_WgM18Qz8f9qLSWQOdlgoqBGOzum43cZ86HHyrOFDfFGS6gkGXM7OhXaE4tPwMdUvlOPgHREUdf4Q-ih9FHdMXGz001bSZ19mOtPfWRXURPOHmS-DwY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2YSbuzdjgLNXomFUTTpX_dJt3UyocOFCDO1pzNLDHWgtldJxyow5L5skDYOAsTWDl7XyJQ2xH_WgM18Qz8f9qLSWQOdlgoqBGOzum43cZ86HHyrOFDfFGS6gkGXM7OhXaE4tPwMdUvlOPgHREUdf4Q-ih9FHdMXGz001bSZ19mOtPfWRXURPOHmS-DwY=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>The multitude of Nandina berries continues to amaze me.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXUoaZGITPBhJOiNHTvYqeUN4RluYbSSppIlAny9OFGbTfyvOhGFutrOfoRWZs-3vKp08UMFxAg9y0Dlpbe0IQ0gpZjxTxC15gLPbiL2Z_H78y19pfM-o9mQOzGuTLnf4SsMx3fjyS3ZBxb_SuKp2Qy6Dxh8lzvXbnTjH42i317W2d_jg65c0LK1wK6LY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXUoaZGITPBhJOiNHTvYqeUN4RluYbSSppIlAny9OFGbTfyvOhGFutrOfoRWZs-3vKp08UMFxAg9y0Dlpbe0IQ0gpZjxTxC15gLPbiL2Z_H78y19pfM-o9mQOzGuTLnf4SsMx3fjyS3ZBxb_SuKp2Qy6Dxh8lzvXbnTjH42i317W2d_jg65c0LK1wK6LY" width="639" /></a></div>Back to the clothing talk, I did put a black Gap windbreaker type jacket on over my sweater, one that I bought, get this... 20 years ago for our first visit to England where it proved helpful and by golly, after sitting in the closet for eons, still performs like a champ. Should I pull out the "they don't make them like they used" to card right about now? There may just be some truth to that!</div><div><br /></div><div>While walking that same afternoon, I texted our friend Linda for confirmation that they were still performing at the <a href="https://cherokeeartscouncil.org/">Cherokee County Arts Council</a> building. Yes ma'am, or something like that was her reply. It must be remembered that everything is very close to one another. In this instance the river walk and gym, where your favorite blogger and her husband were parked, is super, super close, so it wasn't long before we arrived and were enjoying the music.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3BE9PL2YRnN_bnYdbsynk5NHrYO1Vel7jacx2Kkhd5ZSBcwz7y6066mmiiftIikSBEvemBIvWkZzgRkyDfmNRxFJQW7uGbgsQYw9NWcPDIZTrC5_VQaD5SxCaeQw-IAZXUQ_N_Uwt1tpyDCBZJlb8afg5TEyGjvf6J1uQc2kjzndVfvUsV2S6R9_467k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3BE9PL2YRnN_bnYdbsynk5NHrYO1Vel7jacx2Kkhd5ZSBcwz7y6066mmiiftIikSBEvemBIvWkZzgRkyDfmNRxFJQW7uGbgsQYw9NWcPDIZTrC5_VQaD5SxCaeQw-IAZXUQ_N_Uwt1tpyDCBZJlb8afg5TEyGjvf6J1uQc2kjzndVfvUsV2S6R9_467k=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I wondered why Linda was standing and the explanation is that she plays a different type of dulcimer than the other ladies. Because I know nothing about either type, I just listened to the Christmas music in a brand new sound. Linda was showing Bruce her beautiful instrument and isn't it something the marriage of modern (ipad) and ancient technology?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5Vbj77ItGMrmqPlOI4ImNylMxnsSoxAiUZNFjZ7klqa0K5D-b8WC98OK2VRqArXV_hr6qCsUuK2qELEW58dr9PairHEPEta_y7x6_3JILkE-fb12QDKK3Pj6h3nJhQ84zmU1HH34O8ckMZb0GZtG9vOAjoO6lhG5TxdPX7BVvv1xQlAUpXpF-g8sEKB4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5Vbj77ItGMrmqPlOI4ImNylMxnsSoxAiUZNFjZ7klqa0K5D-b8WC98OK2VRqArXV_hr6qCsUuK2qELEW58dr9PairHEPEta_y7x6_3JILkE-fb12QDKK3Pj6h3nJhQ84zmU1HH34O8ckMZb0GZtG9vOAjoO6lhG5TxdPX7BVvv1xQlAUpXpF-g8sEKB4=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Linda is great at pickleball, and what's more she is a weaver, having sold creations for some time. Her scarf? Yup, she made it.</div><div><br /></div><div>7. Imagine this....more downtown stuff the following day with two indoor markets. Checking in on Anna Claire who has nearly completed her latest creation. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB8d1bJ2XqEoTTb4b-GamN2W4__SjbDSV0LxjEVRRIOWFpAADP-iqG_I-98J_PwZSMTGA1iZEA73l4pwT8dycDpUHMkOgjH7uCrYmFlExIUEgaOxYPooLSWTdbZy25PXhpcBLzYw2E1qlTUa2u26OLfJN65mWKl41y0bOy59m3Su1z32wjI9Oyd5ilWxQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB8d1bJ2XqEoTTb4b-GamN2W4__SjbDSV0LxjEVRRIOWFpAADP-iqG_I-98J_PwZSMTGA1iZEA73l4pwT8dycDpUHMkOgjH7uCrYmFlExIUEgaOxYPooLSWTdbZy25PXhpcBLzYw2E1qlTUa2u26OLfJN65mWKl41y0bOy59m3Su1z32wjI9Oyd5ilWxQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>In case you are wondering, I did make Santa's nice list! She is so crazy talented!</div><div><br /></div><div>7b, We stayed up very late last night cheering on our Florida State football team who finished the season undefeated in spite of having to start their third string freshman quarterback due to injuries. While not an easy win, it was the first time they have won the Atlantic Coast conference in a decade. It was so thrilling for the team until around noon today when they were kept out of the College Football playoffs in lieu of not one but two one loss teams! To say that we are all angry is putting it mildly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pretty exciting week right? Adding to it was a Cardinal on the the feeder, a rare occurrence heretofore.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyfk2ZNiq3Ql1RRu8Y1TUswF_nUc3Glrlh9dEBwvMTQ8jcDDh_vwbZ35J7mIGxshnnthcP8-GNlDTkDmSi8PHwNM00qpCBFsXeedZrt4-8r6XtnA-5RXEL7w5epieOAQNXte8XXWIXTd1Il1VgWSzIfBepflnDnvCPMKFeegX0Q7M8So-UWVV4ydaLdVk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyfk2ZNiq3Ql1RRu8Y1TUswF_nUc3Glrlh9dEBwvMTQ8jcDDh_vwbZ35J7mIGxshnnthcP8-GNlDTkDmSi8PHwNM00qpCBFsXeedZrt4-8r6XtnA-5RXEL7w5epieOAQNXte8XXWIXTd1Il1VgWSzIfBepflnDnvCPMKFeegX0Q7M8So-UWVV4ydaLdVk=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>What happens next is yet to unfold, but if the past is any kind of guide, it will be interesting!!</div><div><br /></div><div>your friend,</div><div><br /></div><div>Gail<br /></div></div></div>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-34012994921297074142023-11-28T10:29:00.012-05:002023-11-29T21:28:50.021-05:00A Lot of Ground to Cover<p>It might have been the wind. Or maybe the cold? More than likely it was the spin on the ball that caused me to, in the words of one who witnessed it, crash and burn. I am nursing some sore spots, but otherwise I seem to be okay. When it happened, not so much. </p><p>As it was, both Bruce and I were dressed in our shorts and skorts with several layers on top. Well, I am here to tell you, those outfits were no match for the weather. Instead of our usual arrival time, we first went and did our shopping and then to the courts around 10:00. Maybe ten people were there allowing for three full courts of play upon our arrival. I was skeptical because of the 36 degree temp, but of course the lure is great when you are standing adjacent to the court so I relented. Bad choice. When the ball dropped short in the court, landing funny because of both the wind and the spin, I ran forward to get it. One witness said the ball went under my foot causing the fall, another thinks it was forward momentum. Me, I am going with the spinning ball under my feet as I am generally sure-footed, believe it or not! Nonetheless, I landed on all fours and I am here to tell you it was no fun at all. Both hands hurt like mad because of both the impact and the nearly freezing temperature. Lori was kind enough to lend me her gloves, as well as cover my bare legs with her jacket while Bruce got a quilt out of the car. My right knee is scraped, but fortunately not badly. My left hand is still hurting but it should following such great impact. As long time readers know, that wrist has given me problems ever since my breaks, so it is no surprise at all that it hurts now. Anyway, I spent the remainder of the day in the RECLINER with both an ice pack and heating pad and I feel much improved this morning. </p><p>Let's hope so because I am far behind in my posts! Onward.....</p><p>If you ever wondered about the difference in eggs, wonder no more!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1K4Y6OveiiKf1SXHnMpDlwKTTYRtlX1-PuBvTJq9wkAtB879G06YPfXNjVRP5dvf7ZMWKL1-Xal6Uv8CkqTDPcxotEuzIxbqcB07aQi3SGSvo6dc0B-3ymqLpVlZJjXW5beIOSjEmANtvtaxm3Vby-PIZL1w3demWbWmmTWhKC-_ZEmftvT14jMPLDuk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1K4Y6OveiiKf1SXHnMpDlwKTTYRtlX1-PuBvTJq9wkAtB879G06YPfXNjVRP5dvf7ZMWKL1-Xal6Uv8CkqTDPcxotEuzIxbqcB07aQi3SGSvo6dc0B-3ymqLpVlZJjXW5beIOSjEmANtvtaxm3Vby-PIZL1w3demWbWmmTWhKC-_ZEmftvT14jMPLDuk=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>Amazing how orange that brown egg yolk is! I had cracked these for something and now I can't remember what it was! <u>My nearly 70 year old brain is all I can say</u>. Anyway, it impressed me and I figured it might impress you as well, so why not make it the lead photo??<p></p><p>Our Thanksgiving was lovely with just the two of us because, although our sons and families were far away physically, we spent considerable time on the phone with two of them. Plus, we began this wonderful life as a couple. so we know how to be happy as such. The day began chilly, but not so much it kept us from taking a walk along the river before cooking.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip5QFRAuNP4Hlz8BjCfIatl5A3ajEUG4_vGFXtFFc0ETmgrNazagbu5RdTBsMEslEMbTkdinM_ib-o-14aDLt8Fth1yhvNT2a0MzndDwDh_Mjj34PPmlpT2jwCejTPAESODLGC0FNkufqB8d8ogZzPWtOpnLlmNJO0-skK06OYbEGo3owxSkXO4_cLp3E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip5QFRAuNP4Hlz8BjCfIatl5A3ajEUG4_vGFXtFFc0ETmgrNazagbu5RdTBsMEslEMbTkdinM_ib-o-14aDLt8Fth1yhvNT2a0MzndDwDh_Mjj34PPmlpT2jwCejTPAESODLGC0FNkufqB8d8ogZzPWtOpnLlmNJO0-skK06OYbEGo3owxSkXO4_cLp3E=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>While we are here I have been encouraging the man of the house to learn more cooking skills and he has taken it to heart, making the apple pie from scratch on Wednesday.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4pnOTb7Mu9tFhfLOpSJjHEFNb436zBJqW8hnxPam_7YpdwHbTw6LZWsqxfeRSKCZ7d4WdAfPMVqkEPH4IGzpK_P19r106iWeVpY3xFrHm6Z8AkSYcL2PhjhTGzYsBnKQUUp0mzIIHHj3-RHEupQ6DgTOX__OJcu4GfNLnl1a_Av7VuMnP7ljuGKCY9W4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4pnOTb7Mu9tFhfLOpSJjHEFNb436zBJqW8hnxPam_7YpdwHbTw6LZWsqxfeRSKCZ7d4WdAfPMVqkEPH4IGzpK_P19r106iWeVpY3xFrHm6Z8AkSYcL2PhjhTGzYsBnKQUUp0mzIIHHj3-RHEupQ6DgTOX__OJcu4GfNLnl1a_Av7VuMnP7ljuGKCY9W4=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I believe we used Ambrosia apples and it was delicious, so much so that the baker had to sample it the day before the big day.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7WgY5zjd0Rj_ohFpjESrV4bBVMeaP6iQ8pT832FSc66enLo-d-EcppMqVtAyZ2nDJRWr9evbwH8bPIMrejTFc6BXI0WIlqtfdm1qXU1D_CnqE312Q7vDcwhnYKxTrQTxwxNB5pNZez7PqS2aEkoV6tPSc-kb2yd6P7ZAtpjc49wHB3A-VwRkBeeiL4DQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7WgY5zjd0Rj_ohFpjESrV4bBVMeaP6iQ8pT832FSc66enLo-d-EcppMqVtAyZ2nDJRWr9evbwH8bPIMrejTFc6BXI0WIlqtfdm1qXU1D_CnqE312Q7vDcwhnYKxTrQTxwxNB5pNZez7PqS2aEkoV6tPSc-kb2yd6P7ZAtpjc49wHB3A-VwRkBeeiL4DQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>Everything turned out beautifully! And yes, we did buy a 13 pound turkey that has served us well for about four more days! The jigsaw puzzle on the table was super fun with both of us contributing to it's completion.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5eHwf0j1zcNutbvctVl_OXvQSK-T9lDgth8r-SDAbd_Se8F0e85skP3aMPoInCcrnHnxSLrGCvrTIgRwvbruefvrCiX4ZWFZvFLUecuhcDvtgne1kaMXKBi5HjWY_vDt6x6gbYWRdHZQ5-CG5Q3PF1ckNirDRQcB09XV4PFovTOBA5QjnDNYLLjl-Z98" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5eHwf0j1zcNutbvctVl_OXvQSK-T9lDgth8r-SDAbd_Se8F0e85skP3aMPoInCcrnHnxSLrGCvrTIgRwvbruefvrCiX4ZWFZvFLUecuhcDvtgne1kaMXKBi5HjWY_vDt6x6gbYWRdHZQ5-CG5Q3PF1ckNirDRQcB09XV4PFovTOBA5QjnDNYLLjl-Z98=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I brought it along with a few others thinking they would be a good way to spend time when the weather is inclement, as I expect it to be. <p></p><p>I've decided that Fairy Cross bottle shop is like our neighborhood pub where folks gather to visit. We do have a glass of wine or two, but it is the camaraderie that is what's really special.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiGfhK3lT2sdafzf9lr3hQNDg3UeEzAHQMcLYrYmJK7x27krDzqKbqD4TvP0hd0MSx2Xzszvij9TSz-fh0Cm0XWoqv7EtN5qWY4kh7wMFiAUsUQ4QWvAT7nKqgzrL9moD2W4suo_V8I7qIeeOa-Y0qeNg7Ctik0xxRcNoATyHet4IXo9J8xEnyI2zQ3KE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiGfhK3lT2sdafzf9lr3hQNDg3UeEzAHQMcLYrYmJK7x27krDzqKbqD4TvP0hd0MSx2Xzszvij9TSz-fh0Cm0XWoqv7EtN5qWY4kh7wMFiAUsUQ4QWvAT7nKqgzrL9moD2W4suo_V8I7qIeeOa-Y0qeNg7Ctik0xxRcNoATyHet4IXo9J8xEnyI2zQ3KE=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>I believe it was this night that we met two CNN international journalists who are covering the war in Gaza. I have said it before, but it bears repeating, that you "never know who you will meet in Murphy." Not only is night falling earlier and earlier but by golly, we had a super sunset the other night, something I must admit I have been missing from our Florida life.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbC_5bEmUJu355DiVzhBg3_hiOQIxNNiP6xeopyUtj1w4zayHZxIkfffyI0xGgaq6yw35JB6j66KtN1ZsG5btIB0LGZ-oZC244ePr9sSkxFJeWZ_R3g0q5wKBb4Q9sAvFYtGxJPGcUnykMM7-P6xYknboIbyhhTgVdnWQ_EeYaDqawF7KQ_sfbKCHZigU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbC_5bEmUJu355DiVzhBg3_hiOQIxNNiP6xeopyUtj1w4zayHZxIkfffyI0xGgaq6yw35JB6j66KtN1ZsG5btIB0LGZ-oZC244ePr9sSkxFJeWZ_R3g0q5wKBb4Q9sAvFYtGxJPGcUnykMM7-P6xYknboIbyhhTgVdnWQ_EeYaDqawF7KQ_sfbKCHZigU=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>That would be the Murphy Art Center, barely visible in the quickening darkness, where our friend Linda will be playing the dulcimer on Friday night during the monthly art walk. I cannot wait to hear her! Of course there is the threat of rain which is a huge bummer because it is the night of the Christmas tree lighting! If you've watched any Hallmark Christmas movies you are well aware of how important that is to small town life. A window decorating contest is happening and the parade is scheduled for Saturday night. Where you can find the hot chocolate is unknown to me at this juncture, but I will be sure to report back should I find it in abundance!<p></p><p>Nancy has been such a help during our absence as has Bill who are both helping to keep the MINI going. If you can imagine, well I've no doubt that you can, but our mail has been a problem again in spite of me setting it up in advance. Anyway, I asked her to check our mailbox after more than two weeks of no mail and you guessed it, full as can be. She went straight to the nearby post office, filling the envelope with things like a new Medicare card for Bruce, as well as our car insurance cards. Yikes!! They claim it is sorted out, but a phone call will have to be placed, yet again. So that came in the mail from her last week and just yesterday she sent a brand new ornament of our favorite bird! She wanted us to have a personal one and she hit the mark big time.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihGUxi0mj_Ymnf2CeuJJvS5pQCIhXbCVr5X6dU3jHJTr-y8j2YyLOL4AwAWgd58ZBLgpYky-DQA1q0uoPInh909PgJRHHeTnvqfK8pqbS2zlE0BgNg6mlrv8EolsU0kpHsM7Da_V7AMxt3eTQ4w4kMjAzjSBbcI9Q2ofq25l_e9eL7FMHgmbcK9UktDqg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihGUxi0mj_Ymnf2CeuJJvS5pQCIhXbCVr5X6dU3jHJTr-y8j2YyLOL4AwAWgd58ZBLgpYky-DQA1q0uoPInh909PgJRHHeTnvqfK8pqbS2zlE0BgNg6mlrv8EolsU0kpHsM7Da_V7AMxt3eTQ4w4kMjAzjSBbcI9Q2ofq25l_e9eL7FMHgmbcK9UktDqg" width="640" /></a></div>We don't see nearly enough Cardinals for my liking, however, in the last week or so, one has been coming around including this freezing morning. As in today! Note the nectar in the hummingbird feeder!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSZ0YslG7o67_scyMfViE9EgfyAufOztSziH9u48Bk-OwWSlH1lkAwXSHsrB8iblmfj_Tfcxkug_3JBUDg2GFOGeQ3AybgFSMGZYHAroBhg8vqIM3VHO-296Y49cGqDp2fADecI0fPtiDBBBGgUThAxeZicPNrDJJMoneVNczUt0zrDAozdaa8Nl-dnsw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSZ0YslG7o67_scyMfViE9EgfyAufOztSziH9u48Bk-OwWSlH1lkAwXSHsrB8iblmfj_Tfcxkug_3JBUDg2GFOGeQ3AybgFSMGZYHAroBhg8vqIM3VHO-296Y49cGqDp2fADecI0fPtiDBBBGgUThAxeZicPNrDJJMoneVNczUt0zrDAozdaa8Nl-dnsw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br />I believe it was 28 when we got up this morning? Of course I had to go out and explore this cold world. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9Foxls1oG0cM6o3uVlZhVHAKm2jXn-CbBwC5jdkRr7vn2ThZSkJpr_ReHAxp163Zb_IH9M5-RHkskgYndMmxwYO29Na67Ioi1g4MYVdyNm_9CzoHnRSm9d3T5IQeqN-TOHgYMPKNGWGr0KGOru6lrIXl2jOTcB2-1JtgtDe0zrBGdKywncFd81efp_6g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9Foxls1oG0cM6o3uVlZhVHAKm2jXn-CbBwC5jdkRr7vn2ThZSkJpr_ReHAxp163Zb_IH9M5-RHkskgYndMmxwYO29Na67Ioi1g4MYVdyNm_9CzoHnRSm9d3T5IQeqN-TOHgYMPKNGWGr0KGOru6lrIXl2jOTcB2-1JtgtDe0zrBGdKywncFd81efp_6g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The Beaver Moon in the morning sky.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9ZMfUlmYfNlfdYXhg5Dn9s3_3GWK0NuH1u2spta41WLRcSTukCoRAZDcKe3x9XCxPOqgLInxc4WsYh36zf8pJypHmISSKv4UdP4IGHrW6txagPKONnsxUpVkkIIqYrMl7d4pb36UkXEadU4vEyUDA21gRXMdDaAKAx8r5MTlRTKC-NqKbw2UrGmw8p1U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9ZMfUlmYfNlfdYXhg5Dn9s3_3GWK0NuH1u2spta41WLRcSTukCoRAZDcKe3x9XCxPOqgLInxc4WsYh36zf8pJypHmISSKv4UdP4IGHrW6txagPKONnsxUpVkkIIqYrMl7d4pb36UkXEadU4vEyUDA21gRXMdDaAKAx8r5MTlRTKC-NqKbw2UrGmw8p1U=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>A single deer was grazing at the end of the driveway.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUwAqeTiYQ1w9OKryNhkDrg4KbjjvX2TgcOp4mieXIgBYE-FPt0__nSR-r71HKl3FBOVURZjBUTDetBYtsDZDd2dAJ4ni1oubJES9TEM8Fp8SgIvkyE7Oa8RYPOGnpXnutmWVrM2aSfVVXhcyEZSEQQAdpvK-NqBzePtT-1d91fXXJRKEhpLjwOu_R4tc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUwAqeTiYQ1w9OKryNhkDrg4KbjjvX2TgcOp4mieXIgBYE-FPt0__nSR-r71HKl3FBOVURZjBUTDetBYtsDZDd2dAJ4ni1oubJES9TEM8Fp8SgIvkyE7Oa8RYPOGnpXnutmWVrM2aSfVVXhcyEZSEQQAdpvK-NqBzePtT-1d91fXXJRKEhpLjwOu_R4tc=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>That is somewhat surprising because for the most part we have lately been seeing them in small herds!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRmhTFn6H1tJWLqMr3Nf784BeTJZhWUUoGQbp21wnoZRfx38CJ-FcjtBTrHLc0x0BtxwA47Foqb1pLEcMkkIykVxRyBjcMmAO5Hpndnio2zBJAq5Pszp4VkGXZwM8rmHjH4EAR-y6SE1q5afAVj8hfNoJJKZa0Uq3FuV4plguejR7sElzR1SqanR4kdUU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRmhTFn6H1tJWLqMr3Nf784BeTJZhWUUoGQbp21wnoZRfx38CJ-FcjtBTrHLc0x0BtxwA47Foqb1pLEcMkkIykVxRyBjcMmAO5Hpndnio2zBJAq5Pszp4VkGXZwM8rmHjH4EAR-y6SE1q5afAVj8hfNoJJKZa0Uq3FuV4plguejR7sElzR1SqanR4kdUU=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Obviously we are thrilled! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBwITscQ2ODep0SVGdj5S3PJXbXCIzQWtxI5qSq5cdu2jcltEZGjMlTyLPI3n4scFitFwrFa66JuYcGLlP8ZuCQA-lSKYl2ACZEh61NV9yHuH3fknjbBqZZe03AaJ1E36jmiaGaHndXWds03tf5gDIfsyjEiJskiBlz7ltTlzEe30kCNXB8-peDI6l1pk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBwITscQ2ODep0SVGdj5S3PJXbXCIzQWtxI5qSq5cdu2jcltEZGjMlTyLPI3n4scFitFwrFa66JuYcGLlP8ZuCQA-lSKYl2ACZEh61NV9yHuH3fknjbBqZZe03AaJ1E36jmiaGaHndXWds03tf5gDIfsyjEiJskiBlz7ltTlzEe30kCNXB8-peDI6l1pk=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Can you believe their color? <p></p><p>During my Monday afternoon walk Matt and Tom called via Facetime and we had a lovely chat. I keep wondering if I will have much to photograph during the short, cold winter days, but gee whiz, interesting things just keeps appearing. I actually had to put the phone down on the ground when this happened in front of me. The color of this Bluebird is just fantastic!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzbAr31HK8RnGEaC7A_C1gSXG8gWSXvYgU8A3ozRKObwr1z8FbVOb2C90kBsbo6-9oo7y-LvftEnXdcbj-w-h3DKY13Jby4F1Pshis0mN2ZmPzr313k04eQ7vjPot-Lo2Yb9HFUxmvLr1U1wLrOmOtDvZS9V9397dwgonNBAarXelj8PXf3cW0uIi2i-g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="2488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzbAr31HK8RnGEaC7A_C1gSXG8gWSXvYgU8A3ozRKObwr1z8FbVOb2C90kBsbo6-9oo7y-LvftEnXdcbj-w-h3DKY13Jby4F1Pshis0mN2ZmPzr313k04eQ7vjPot-Lo2Yb9HFUxmvLr1U1wLrOmOtDvZS9V9397dwgonNBAarXelj8PXf3cW0uIi2i-g=w461-h640" width="461" /></a></div>Here is what is called a Burning Bush losing it's leaves but leaving berries behind for our avian friends.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9nLNvLP5mXKuLKQOjTDE1Y0rs6P1Ybi6lKjCzHkSdScCAOYuzcU-Olp2zrGXGcgt4NyeuXTQ23p2KRIxbvtWjswNSZJw_-QB6dIPqCiJtk-czsE0U-0st_FvCmMmxf7XY6ngIo1IcM8gK9SpskZEUpwKDj_3YotVznKtr5wX3AzOgIOQ_OsylbG0Vl70" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9nLNvLP5mXKuLKQOjTDE1Y0rs6P1Ybi6lKjCzHkSdScCAOYuzcU-Olp2zrGXGcgt4NyeuXTQ23p2KRIxbvtWjswNSZJw_-QB6dIPqCiJtk-czsE0U-0st_FvCmMmxf7XY6ngIo1IcM8gK9SpskZEUpwKDj_3YotVznKtr5wX3AzOgIOQ_OsylbG0Vl70=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Although this photo is rubbish it is documentation that I saw a Dark Eyed Junco! I wondered for a long time why they did not trim this bush and now I know why. I think Laura told me it is a Forsythia? Whatever it is, multiple birds are loving it for perching. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuXcmbAWOFrx0NQwb1DgnvWw0MOIKizTlEuZ6I7rVvBqPEmY0NlStRUKWR6FRq1oqyifUFuooeFS_Mv2pjf6b7fHDDy5V16FZCMEVvJxlkdgX9OgZShoz-R3pbaFA8gt9SkEHFlrCXw9k1JCKQg3yFUL_mQ_qpJudAk-bPWCjrtzHZ7pbj2uhYtIOBiMI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuXcmbAWOFrx0NQwb1DgnvWw0MOIKizTlEuZ6I7rVvBqPEmY0NlStRUKWR6FRq1oqyifUFuooeFS_Mv2pjf6b7fHDDy5V16FZCMEVvJxlkdgX9OgZShoz-R3pbaFA8gt9SkEHFlrCXw9k1JCKQg3yFUL_mQ_qpJudAk-bPWCjrtzHZ7pbj2uhYtIOBiMI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I told you I went out exploring with my camera this morning and here's something I learned. Do not leave your equipment in the car overnight when the temperature plunges below freezing. It was finicky when I tried using it so no good photos of my first ever sighting of an Eastern Towhee here in Murphy!! Just pretend I took this Western Towhee here in Murphy rather than in Stanley Park in Vancouver! They look very similar. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrYNSqK-P0nilDXr8X-0O1FcOlPEOuQbwszSU-JXDr6t53Mhc1pfyBexSSc45CO6t26XwTn5vupm3jQwH8YkkELjqW0OviT3xNqEPlWJgsU7_AoaEAmICD4UWyA5GUtgwy2C9ArDuICRB4fflel4t_NWFe41KqPBwFVtqFv2Lx9L871pzhXbwJOd7JdoE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2813" data-original-width="3776" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrYNSqK-P0nilDXr8X-0O1FcOlPEOuQbwszSU-JXDr6t53Mhc1pfyBexSSc45CO6t26XwTn5vupm3jQwH8YkkELjqW0OviT3xNqEPlWJgsU7_AoaEAmICD4UWyA5GUtgwy2C9ArDuICRB4fflel4t_NWFe41KqPBwFVtqFv2Lx9L871pzhXbwJOd7JdoE=w640-h476" width="640" /></a></div>Indeed, if all else fails there is the changing morning sky, so often filled with fog. Speaking of Vancouver, I remember one day getting turned around while walking there as the fog was so dense I had no sense of direction. Should you care to go back in time <a href="https://gpeck.blogspot.com/2017/12/hello-sunshine-my-old-friend.html">here is the post about that</a>. It also has a photo of our tiny Christmas tree and Baxter as well. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-7A-_NUlQzGXtyl04als3v5-k-or9f1ZQc0YV_Nk9BeXtZDwN1ruCg2iFE-w01eq5Eh1Rp7ummr5gLYxrHLIbmJeFnL-UZSZD0fEudqnyHpaANZJgRmXsLCVPU_sP3WscvyO3y6Ve4iW195M8ZrZ7ugw2RtGhMK4xJOwnonKCq9BhOzzoexQ_payhyRc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-7A-_NUlQzGXtyl04als3v5-k-or9f1ZQc0YV_Nk9BeXtZDwN1ruCg2iFE-w01eq5Eh1Rp7ummr5gLYxrHLIbmJeFnL-UZSZD0fEudqnyHpaANZJgRmXsLCVPU_sP3WscvyO3y6Ve4iW195M8ZrZ7ugw2RtGhMK4xJOwnonKCq9BhOzzoexQ_payhyRc=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div>All this typing is really helping my hand as is the ace bandage that we got from J & L who supply us with not only a beautiful place to live but all manner of things we don't have. A rolling pin for instance that hopefully we will use a little later today to roll out the gingerbread dough I made on Sunday afternoon. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's a wonderful life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">your friend,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gail </div></div><p></p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-85769238417975599762023-11-21T12:06:00.003-05:002023-11-21T12:06:43.612-05:00No Shame in Our Game<p>It's a grey and dreary day outdoors, almost a carbon copy of yesterday. Thus, a good day to make my annual desk calendars and order some new photography business needs. The prints are on order from RTArt, the stickers for the packaging are coming and the bio sheets the same. Get this...I use VistaPrint for all that sort of thing and have for more than a decade, yet rarely have I looked to a customer representative for help. Actually I ordered the stickers to bump the price up a few dollars for free shipping so when I added the text to the sticker, telling the young woman it was my blog address, she asked if I wanted a QR code instead. SOLD! Thoroughly Modern Gail!</p><p>There's an excellent antidote to the dreary weather and that would be our large, lit, and fully decorated with all sorts of cute ornaments, thrift store tree! Yup, we bought the tree from one of the four local thrift stores we visited, this one helping battered women. It is fantastic!</p><p>Here's how it happened.</p><p>We spend an inordinate amount of time at Wal Mart, whether it is buying groceries, or any manner of other things that we need. But of course, we checked out the artificial trees while on one of our innumerable visits. While that is not is our preference, for convenience sake we thought we might go that route. We also looked at Lowes, but did not pull the trigger at either store. The one thing I was certain about though was the need to find some interesting ornaments rather than the tubs of sixty colored balls being sold in both places. What is the fun in only balls? I'll answer that....none!</p><p>So last Thursday, instead of a field trip, we went thrifting. In the end we came home with this haul for about $35.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb8nc1KsLUlwY1foLWXcVvtJlpkkW_b-TZRQ2PINhdYfUSvZGQWb9HP63Cm74W_ce2yb-He19Ufnglf-ZTqSqiXBAOApfJfI6TRhZQpA1ybuTks7lKRrpHKIF7xpMJ4pZeUHT4hA8FO2SEGa5Z4RuINU7_9ymObf25thtvT_YqiPzFc-uL7OEN2B5DUyM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb8nc1KsLUlwY1foLWXcVvtJlpkkW_b-TZRQ2PINhdYfUSvZGQWb9HP63Cm74W_ce2yb-He19Ufnglf-ZTqSqiXBAOApfJfI6TRhZQpA1ybuTks7lKRrpHKIF7xpMJ4pZeUHT4hA8FO2SEGa5Z4RuINU7_9ymObf25thtvT_YqiPzFc-uL7OEN2B5DUyM" width="640" /></a></div>"Reach" was the second store we visited, having found a few ornaments at the first one which benefits the Humane Society. (Don't quote me on that!) With ornaments in hand, I turned around and what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a fully lit, lush 7.5 ft. Christmas tree with a $40 price tag. Because we had already scoped out trees, it is our guess that this one would be well over $200 new. The woman who worked there came forward to let us know that not only did all of the lights work, always a plus, but there was a large wheeled tub to store it in. Now if we were in Orlando, that would be a challenge as our storage options are limited, but here there is a huge attic where it can reside when we are done with the season. The only issue that might arise with that is getting it up the ladder to the attic, but I suspect Bruce will find a way. <p></p><p>Normally we do not put a tree up this early, but when opportunity arises, we take advantage of it. The three pieces went together without a hitch and it was game on. Now most folks are not all that keen on thrifting, but if one can get over any bias, there are wonderful things to be had. In fact, I made some pumpkin bread that was out of this world, using a recipe from the Joy of Cooking cookbook I got for 50 cents. Those canisters? $3.50 each! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7FblSvmHoqngJmQnZSuZC3GdSJ7-lYbLfoLnI4sjYh_E2LSX82u3UPGWov2nbz9mQKBzx6TAVb_uIJISflSDVmJ-gnWPdoYoo1iAM5I-VtSUpWiI481x7W38g5ZpcJQJyhEalraGsLoDPxqoyFDVCyP8kyA7PHJ7pBp30jJg9pp9nl2ti9HiTalsnE7g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7FblSvmHoqngJmQnZSuZC3GdSJ7-lYbLfoLnI4sjYh_E2LSX82u3UPGWov2nbz9mQKBzx6TAVb_uIJISflSDVmJ-gnWPdoYoo1iAM5I-VtSUpWiI481x7W38g5ZpcJQJyhEalraGsLoDPxqoyFDVCyP8kyA7PHJ7pBp30jJg9pp9nl2ti9HiTalsnE7g=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>While the kitchen is well stocked it was lacking canisters for my baking needs. Lots of folks never bake, but knowing already how much I like not only the baking, but the end result as well you understand my need.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOo5hft7mkPjt_AqVPhcQDaK5t496UhjLzoHdTgab67HBjpWthkpFZ-3bdHQSANSP_JFZTHlOOdcH3h8wBsZd27H6bmXmKFYzQXzvjfJklk0C0yRk8Bz9B4X-a3by7oh2CUotiR1HMWmwqHA2LmNT8Mj4AnWxQZA_w5V4UtmA9qQ2rNESrsIal7tlUkjE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOo5hft7mkPjt_AqVPhcQDaK5t496UhjLzoHdTgab67HBjpWthkpFZ-3bdHQSANSP_JFZTHlOOdcH3h8wBsZd27H6bmXmKFYzQXzvjfJklk0C0yRk8Bz9B4X-a3by7oh2CUotiR1HMWmwqHA2LmNT8Mj4AnWxQZA_w5V4UtmA9qQ2rNESrsIal7tlUkjE" width="640" /></a></div>While I am still in the kitchen, I do so love my windowsill with a thrift store find on there that cost, get this, .25!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUJudLltWX1ntlz8JOQBnV7GFKIUpPlVJFnp1fXooD0Paren0_VqoAX6xfQkP7Iidxt3v6F_sOuBU-ycDKauA-bopSCmBf8kH5RxUVHaiGGZQYP4S2QJivdHmtCgQw91MLqD1eak58DZ4Ofi2wk0sUlJQZpZWLqOtRofMLP-DkZM7vjcdChBUmVgb_7Jc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUJudLltWX1ntlz8JOQBnV7GFKIUpPlVJFnp1fXooD0Paren0_VqoAX6xfQkP7Iidxt3v6F_sOuBU-ycDKauA-bopSCmBf8kH5RxUVHaiGGZQYP4S2QJivdHmtCgQw91MLqD1eak58DZ4Ofi2wk0sUlJQZpZWLqOtRofMLP-DkZM7vjcdChBUmVgb_7Jc=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>I have no idea what that little figure was meant to be but it sure is fun. That giant pinecone came from a state park in Georgia. The dark ball beside it is a Black Walnut I picked up on my river walks and the little acorns are from the driveway. Wild plants from the roadway. Now you know.<p></p><p>John, our landlord, had his knee replaced just two weeks ago and his path to recovery has been remarkable. Within a day or so he was walking around outside. He hates being cooped up, so after a few days he headed to the kitchen, making granola that he shared with us. His two week follow up at the doctor yesterday was a great success and he is now cleared to do all manner of exercise. Unbelievable.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJbIjf3MQfS-wqH3C6NKBied8f5gDaYnZe2k7YfH2YneN0nmFfqi8rsgA4NN8dSyyGBdbzEuIYa_gNe4LeHK2d_em_FvoKw-jYg4bXuaZD-vCvcNu0HkmemyxrI0_0UepPPkzNM9OgOHTGTMqAgplut9F5HGje-GX8pGvpDFQitpYHGR6oA3AVkbd-6qE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJbIjf3MQfS-wqH3C6NKBied8f5gDaYnZe2k7YfH2YneN0nmFfqi8rsgA4NN8dSyyGBdbzEuIYa_gNe4LeHK2d_em_FvoKw-jYg4bXuaZD-vCvcNu0HkmemyxrI0_0UepPPkzNM9OgOHTGTMqAgplut9F5HGje-GX8pGvpDFQitpYHGR6oA3AVkbd-6qE=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div>I might be wrong but I think he might just like having neighbors.<p></p><p>Back to that wonderful tree!! It looks so pretty beside the fireplace. The lights can be solid white or flash with colored as well. I alternate my preference so far. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGebMpDvoZHBDiT6eIzYpN9MUOB327Ca8au4srMvuAf1m_iloZ6iHf-lqbci12oH5gVT7pF6lUIDQRsa8hjglOTFvGEPVwOGAJXMjYwIUH6K1YF6yPCXU_4UZTLd80Xk8L5GAyGEX28wI7mRlbicMcmOQQFMWXa3cKZgLfpPQVAWiXpbDyv7LHmFAmgbk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGebMpDvoZHBDiT6eIzYpN9MUOB327Ca8au4srMvuAf1m_iloZ6iHf-lqbci12oH5gVT7pF6lUIDQRsa8hjglOTFvGEPVwOGAJXMjYwIUH6K1YF6yPCXU_4UZTLd80Xk8L5GAyGEX28wI7mRlbicMcmOQQFMWXa3cKZgLfpPQVAWiXpbDyv7LHmFAmgbk=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div>It took moving some furniture around to make it work. The home for the chest below is under the window but there was plenty of room behind the sofa so that's where it went.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGqykWpXHRkh9LdyyiTsRhxPGN2NaRwwWi3fl7jKC0Kagdo2NXMqt-e7HnRef7KJm8jgDYjwYjl_Y-Rtk5Kdtb4xFbxZ3SttQzgHFgdrkFGKKvjR2BTdtmAQCGpnBdhhqRmOWZcVT4L8MhXsOcBiize732fFzJ3QfKMSyg2wDGApHdNbHvQyDDJkVzC14" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4332" data-original-width="2888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGqykWpXHRkh9LdyyiTsRhxPGN2NaRwwWi3fl7jKC0Kagdo2NXMqt-e7HnRef7KJm8jgDYjwYjl_Y-Rtk5Kdtb4xFbxZ3SttQzgHFgdrkFGKKvjR2BTdtmAQCGpnBdhhqRmOWZcVT4L8MhXsOcBiize732fFzJ3QfKMSyg2wDGApHdNbHvQyDDJkVzC14=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div>The recliner exchanged places with this large comfy chair because, frankly, I have grown fond of the recliner and didn't want to give it up for more than a month!! College football baby!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqBaDfUAfgwixZxISW3UqC3k_d74mkYQFvfRpmaDKiMChhu3evXaQajlP77lC8dNGWSdLa95lzu-2BPpGG91av8ohGGpbrpIRucLJiANuCDymuwEq_y5m0noT-fvYyK21tkL1ObtkU4LxY0_2xiS1QiFThWkE4SfeXI_iAPLzMcyJrQqdNbsxPQ3iJrnM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqBaDfUAfgwixZxISW3UqC3k_d74mkYQFvfRpmaDKiMChhu3evXaQajlP77lC8dNGWSdLa95lzu-2BPpGG91av8ohGGpbrpIRucLJiANuCDymuwEq_y5m0noT-fvYyK21tkL1ObtkU4LxY0_2xiS1QiFThWkE4SfeXI_iAPLzMcyJrQqdNbsxPQ3iJrnM=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>We are all just heartsick because our fantastic Florida State quarterback hurt his leg in Saturday's game and will miss the rest of his final season. <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-rankings-washington-jumps-florida-state-for-no-4-missouri-cracks-top-10-in-cbs-sports-133/">We had been ranked in the top four in the country,</a> however, it looks as if the voters are assuming Tate Rodemaker will not be able to lead the team to several more wins. We are so sad for Jordan Travis and are praying he recovers very, very soon. Whatever the outcome of the remaining season, it has been a good year for our team.<p></p><p>Does this look like $1,000 to you? Me neither, but thankfully we did not have to pay that exorbitant rate because once I emptied all of these packs given to me by the cardiologist's office, I've got enough until the new year! Yippee!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVsy2EF27q4_0xz_cO6PLVXXORkyyhhxuJ6Pthipsjv8rWpTXJs93DSSyrcR-3UKfw4MPvBgnFQZ_yhCjRxSsvlgJLOfDbeJxAG_qV91IXloWZRnZA6FvELbfMAvKgVn1dVAZ7y8s3-lamBWV8GqD7mK3m0TZB5aRswbuRB7pgHhfnOTD_u2Dkx-NeIQg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVsy2EF27q4_0xz_cO6PLVXXORkyyhhxuJ6Pthipsjv8rWpTXJs93DSSyrcR-3UKfw4MPvBgnFQZ_yhCjRxSsvlgJLOfDbeJxAG_qV91IXloWZRnZA6FvELbfMAvKgVn1dVAZ7y8s3-lamBWV8GqD7mK3m0TZB5aRswbuRB7pgHhfnOTD_u2Dkx-NeIQg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>We have a small tree on the porch that belongs to the cottage and it is cute as a button.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirixeSJ3k_Rzcl3vTOdnStNv8Ge4eDRZ2HrR9MaJ7SqYQyhm3djohkBNCHanMK5zbyoNjg2c6uqjWMvD1S8I5afjmcETaGIadTpjUuUJO_rgz8iSZgwIDIa9iQp3vEYie0RBuxcFRvCuUpazcV_hUjaFJVySpMyJHh1VIFxWPoVaFhL-4znew7aLnZpi8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirixeSJ3k_Rzcl3vTOdnStNv8Ge4eDRZ2HrR9MaJ7SqYQyhm3djohkBNCHanMK5zbyoNjg2c6uqjWMvD1S8I5afjmcETaGIadTpjUuUJO_rgz8iSZgwIDIa9iQp3vEYie0RBuxcFRvCuUpazcV_hUjaFJVySpMyJHh1VIFxWPoVaFhL-4znew7aLnZpi8" width="360" /></a></div>It looks a little better since our thrift store bonanza! <p></p><p>Let's take a closer look at some of the ornaments, shall we? Our first Christmas tree, 50 years ago was adorned with painted wooden ornaments that we did together, so when I found a bag of about twenty of these for .50, I snagged it up. They did not disappoint.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFO_judAzb3KLmqkN2KcNEXQSVu7IMdkI7s8Ubbgm2z43Jt45tKp7SxYlCEbHqCOq4FQMYEdnefHdh8AGUuiXOq5BMSJW8eicWPK8bjqb6rqKYutoJWIFOMQ0_NcKbelgYJlvE1o7Pnd-9m6BHEfqqXBLxQrN2TlX9JRuSinNiUmXPriSulsBLC5X_zU0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFO_judAzb3KLmqkN2KcNEXQSVu7IMdkI7s8Ubbgm2z43Jt45tKp7SxYlCEbHqCOq4FQMYEdnefHdh8AGUuiXOq5BMSJW8eicWPK8bjqb6rqKYutoJWIFOMQ0_NcKbelgYJlvE1o7Pnd-9m6BHEfqqXBLxQrN2TlX9JRuSinNiUmXPriSulsBLC5X_zU0=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>Of note is the ribbon I used. I think the roll was maybe $3.00 for 75 feet. It worked like a charm and I even have some left over. Talk about ornament variety! While I do not have my very own ornaments this year, many of them given to me by our children, this will do nicely. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyvj__mGiAvCzAidiAYILungtcDHZa_1NfUVd7Cn4kpQsu7nLs9VndI1-ze-hgV0OeNLc5o2M1yXZDAvd8dleJ5EehW_YWMAK2AkH-tZwQKiAgooZGVYRMhzOkdMK6LzUNUqlUnHZzJZ0tnwcjr1cCDZB9pK-pvtBHnz2aVTlNd_1bb_OJoq64XQDCYic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyvj__mGiAvCzAidiAYILungtcDHZa_1NfUVd7Cn4kpQsu7nLs9VndI1-ze-hgV0OeNLc5o2M1yXZDAvd8dleJ5EehW_YWMAK2AkH-tZwQKiAgooZGVYRMhzOkdMK6LzUNUqlUnHZzJZ0tnwcjr1cCDZB9pK-pvtBHnz2aVTlNd_1bb_OJoq64XQDCYic=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Thank you, thank you to the folks who donated these new treasures. While I am typing Mr. Peck is on mantle duty and those of you who have followed this blog for any time will know that he does a great job with that task. Way better than I can do, that's a given!<p></p><p>With that in mind, he also does a great job with woodworking. After some searching we found a crate to hold our photography prints at a downtown antique store that while the price was right, the size was not ideal, nor was the finish. From practically the first day we were here back in June, John was urging Bruce to use his shop. Now he has.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxs7SqmRB5j44hAB3pbvbnLyo3bVdIhM2PQ6sLqK2gSCJWy_6o5vFTC9XodHhQngTeHzLTaLm54UfHHzMLxV-VBborShMV51wEBzLXIoa9IafNIIGAKjOhjBEpWwcgUJLTWq9PR8NienxPpHg_eqsUlcldBYS-Ot6TdeUis7JGYNOrBGt5PWBxjdyDd6w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxs7SqmRB5j44hAB3pbvbnLyo3bVdIhM2PQ6sLqK2gSCJWy_6o5vFTC9XodHhQngTeHzLTaLm54UfHHzMLxV-VBborShMV51wEBzLXIoa9IafNIIGAKjOhjBEpWwcgUJLTWq9PR8NienxPpHg_eqsUlcldBYS-Ot6TdeUis7JGYNOrBGt5PWBxjdyDd6w=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>He took the whole thing apart, downsizing it a bit and now it is ready for action as soon as the prints arrive from RTArt. Newbies don't know that name so let me explain. When I began selling photography in 2007 at the Lake Eola Farmers Market there were very few vendors, maybe 15 or so. We set up Sunday after Sunday and hoped something would happen and much to our surprise it did. Not that I knew what I was doing, but for some reason, I found an audience. One Sunday morning a man and his wife came to my booth, originally looking, but after a few moments, Roger said to me, "I can help you out a lot". How so we wondered? Well for starters, he could not only make prints, but he could provide the packaging as well as mats for said prints! Say what? Long story short, he was right and our business took a turn for the better. We had that partnership until I decided to call it quits in 2017, however, they did not quit. Actually, it has been an explosion of business for Roger and Tricia and all of their employees, so much so that is taking a lot longer to get those prints than it used to! Their quality and attention to detail is worth waiting for. <p></p><p>Now have I chosen things that might sell? Who knows!!! :)<br /><br />Saturday afternoon we went to Andrews for "Christmas on Main" and it was good fun. I plan to share some photos of that soon, but I did want to update you on the fire there that <u><a href="https://gpeck.blogspot.com/2023/11/did-i-ever-speak-too-soon.html">I mentioned here</a></u>. While it is mostly contained, it was still smoking and this time we at least saw some evidence of it unlike our previous visit. I saw it when we were making our way into town and thought if we went up the hill beside the elementary school we might see the smoke and so we did.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT5zySRlDfD518UHjpW-5f6nmV3yJZBEjxwa1KtigpkOoiu9fuwMibagXk7CiJiOcBg0xVhxzUs8-OVMnsTNgoP02fDwaRgdWOR_lbxASyCuBQ063pXvLKr4cxVN_23ccktBLNWxoVvsLIfEDqWsdMFrwYOfku8sxhRkdxrwoysSGHUhLnWjqQhrATR3M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT5zySRlDfD518UHjpW-5f6nmV3yJZBEjxwa1KtigpkOoiu9fuwMibagXk7CiJiOcBg0xVhxzUs8-OVMnsTNgoP02fDwaRgdWOR_lbxASyCuBQ063pXvLKr4cxVN_23ccktBLNWxoVvsLIfEDqWsdMFrwYOfku8sxhRkdxrwoysSGHUhLnWjqQhrATR3M=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Hopefully the drizzle that is happening now and predicted to last throughout the day will do the trick in putting it out for good.<p></p><p>I've also got plenty of photographs of the end of the leaf season that are being put on hold for the moment, but in closing, I think I'm going to like the bare trees too. A brilliant blue sky sure sets them off doesn't it?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKgst3Qp-3xQgI3Ln4gcNFY5P1fF2luDvej0uXcze6TUZaVPuQUtjrnBz-fFdelCpzUr36x-JInYKebQ1vt0MDFo4YeaPTf82h2dzRGmvpgkf824kerJ4AYIO6abGrqJQkVd4nOP-a-wVzXjmkBC5TiPhyTLC4RCOkFVjD2PY_HqnW8d3QM36pXkXEnK4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKgst3Qp-3xQgI3Ln4gcNFY5P1fF2luDvej0uXcze6TUZaVPuQUtjrnBz-fFdelCpzUr36x-JInYKebQ1vt0MDFo4YeaPTf82h2dzRGmvpgkf824kerJ4AYIO6abGrqJQkVd4nOP-a-wVzXjmkBC5TiPhyTLC4RCOkFVjD2PY_HqnW8d3QM36pXkXEnK4" width="640" /></a></div>Duh, I neglected to tie that title to the post didn't I? Well with smart readers like you it's probably overkill to explain it, but what I mean by that is that we are not too proud to use the available resources, which means we've bought all manner of goods from the various thrift stores. Bruce is filling up the closet with finds including this nice plaid shirt he wore to the Andrews event.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwmI9lP6mkoM6ClSOAAfE52YnWR4poblNJuzHDV5QfXgGjKS5ti8A6ih3-Q_PokmLi7_8ERq_eYCu15SxCJ9wV1N5Az5i6XWxSevd6PHStXGKu-0pX20CgFBpUDv62QmrIixzrhhtMR4eBd2BKhbUIe582HbJoOSGsfoy5BNC1-HjuUfgQM9P4xI_HZXU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwmI9lP6mkoM6ClSOAAfE52YnWR4poblNJuzHDV5QfXgGjKS5ti8A6ih3-Q_PokmLi7_8ERq_eYCu15SxCJ9wV1N5Az5i6XWxSevd6PHStXGKu-0pX20CgFBpUDv62QmrIixzrhhtMR4eBd2BKhbUIe582HbJoOSGsfoy5BNC1-HjuUfgQM9P4xI_HZXU" width="640" /></a></div>With finds like we've had, a better question might be, "what took us so long?" <p></p><p>Let's go!!</p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail</p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-74551083080098665432023-11-14T11:29:00.005-05:002023-11-14T21:00:05.619-05:00Did I Ever Speak Too Soon!<p>Shows you what I know about Autumn in the mountains of Western North Carolina! </p><p>All the leaves are NOT brown in spite of it being a snappy title! I am here to show you a few examples of my foolishness. Oh wait, have I ever shown a few photos in the past? Of course I have not...it is not in my DNA!</p><p> We have seen color driving to do so, and also right on our drive on Talc Mine Road on our way to the cottage. So, perhaps that is a good place to begin our little leaf journey, which the locals tell me is way past prime, but for this Floridian, it remains a little slice of heaven. Try as I might, the only online evidence of a <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cave-in_at_Kinsey_Talc_Mine_-_NARA_-_280427.jpg">talc mine here in Murphy is this photograph about a cave in. </a> Actually, here is a link that while I am not able to open because I don't have a NYT subscription, others might be able t<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1963/09/09/archives/body-recovered-in-mine-cavein-death-is-2d-in-talc-tunnel-accident3.html">o read this article from 1963 about a mine cave</a>-in here in Murphy. Whether or not it is the same one, I do not know. At any rate, a lot of the area and development around where we are living was once mined and the road is named for the former use. If there are more buildings of the abandoned talc mine I do not know of them. Or at least I can't see them anyway!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKauo3-18VDiHsxDYIcP0IWRkN9p3xxFfll0AdriWUUh2IK7tBsWp_pl4YMJnhRqI2043ZTsUTlWHz7aURUSSEIjqS3pONbR9Vt1zX9_6LTQFsUImajwt8dEBERfRfbUuJiXE7CyKcajPLiPGRVDBjeBVGmZrn2M6tfeb8W-4OIW6wcemhM1o-QCpBe5g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2551" data-original-width="3075" height="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKauo3-18VDiHsxDYIcP0IWRkN9p3xxFfll0AdriWUUh2IK7tBsWp_pl4YMJnhRqI2043ZTsUTlWHz7aURUSSEIjqS3pONbR9Vt1zX9_6LTQFsUImajwt8dEBERfRfbUuJiXE7CyKcajPLiPGRVDBjeBVGmZrn2M6tfeb8W-4OIW6wcemhM1o-QCpBe5g=w640-h531" width="640" /></a></div>So while I said the leaves were brown, rust is really a more accurate description for many of them. Have you read about a year with a large acorn drop? Apparently it is called <a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2020/10/what-is-a-mast-year/">a mast year</a> so while it has a name, scientists can't seem to agree on what it really means. This year would be one of those, or so we have heard. Plenty of acorns here.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkKIi46Oe3n0sO13Wc34N2TNw-mCjfS6zKHYy7eIRs88Y8xoVqV8UXYEchmXqoLXoSoeYrTxGeFGXnrZcCxc8bqbn-1Zqq61g3Bjm3j8VydKxsvsF6Oy1JreKskCpRxqoeBRe0pTer7m4soXsWgMUgWpISur9kCVjJlY1na20Nzl2jEPAvpCM9kHkVR7Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkKIi46Oe3n0sO13Wc34N2TNw-mCjfS6zKHYy7eIRs88Y8xoVqV8UXYEchmXqoLXoSoeYrTxGeFGXnrZcCxc8bqbn-1Zqq61g3Bjm3j8VydKxsvsF6Oy1JreKskCpRxqoeBRe0pTer7m4soXsWgMUgWpISur9kCVjJlY1na20Nzl2jEPAvpCM9kHkVR7Y=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Before we go further afield, let's explore very close to home, shall we? <p></p><p>Continuing our series on changes in the landscape, it was fortuitous that I took this shot when we first arrived.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNUqYxDIsmAUyS9XATfa8GrRG9l_IQvwLBlsCzcdx_D8M8Nhr7OnIWRGlrHsS3a2W6r9cbxCZ5fL6CHtvPeCYWGxQVfU0bedNqEEb6nCDDO9NgZ42qxBVm7cSim2Pwe_k6xN7TxA8e-U4DrgvTDA_1cTRUKkh9BpmVa8rAJ1GJ32bV-WfQxTpxuV_2pLg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNUqYxDIsmAUyS9XATfa8GrRG9l_IQvwLBlsCzcdx_D8M8Nhr7OnIWRGlrHsS3a2W6r9cbxCZ5fL6CHtvPeCYWGxQVfU0bedNqEEb6nCDDO9NgZ42qxBVm7cSim2Pwe_k6xN7TxA8e-U4DrgvTDA_1cTRUKkh9BpmVa8rAJ1GJ32bV-WfQxTpxuV_2pLg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Trailer, trees, what are we supposed to notice Gail, you might be thinking. Here goes...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivXh_eCGMQ-puaccWlMA1G5v_ZgODZ4-gFbAmv5-SG8wCRFajUVS60ecbnpmz7T0CL6riWkw3iaD-icEhhvgiJq_LeEeGaCw1iOpVziB_D2qEYUgsCXSaiVorBrDCXAHk1wuTFwcaG8RKeeUa0NOcDBkabkz5WPTdDP6qKdc5FM2iZNvjCWySPRT_h7y8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivXh_eCGMQ-puaccWlMA1G5v_ZgODZ4-gFbAmv5-SG8wCRFajUVS60ecbnpmz7T0CL6riWkw3iaD-icEhhvgiJq_LeEeGaCw1iOpVziB_D2qEYUgsCXSaiVorBrDCXAHk1wuTFwcaG8RKeeUa0NOcDBkabkz5WPTdDP6qKdc5FM2iZNvjCWySPRT_h7y8=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Practically overnight it began changing and boy howdy, look at this from our carport a few days ago.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSJEH25mza9X5owQchN9W36n6v7vinavJnDs_NEQdpw1lrQ94RaLHrSE2y8P7IyZVUOdPvpnqA3aYr23YujJX_kmJaRWixcxoIw_ApxRPK9XW-BcbBpaGbprN-LekspGjWnmTpaOHxE1IxThBVqwvU_DmEylDQP7R170avsylIcqSIMxlr0P0QoB2VEDw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSJEH25mza9X5owQchN9W36n6v7vinavJnDs_NEQdpw1lrQ94RaLHrSE2y8P7IyZVUOdPvpnqA3aYr23YujJX_kmJaRWixcxoIw_ApxRPK9XW-BcbBpaGbprN-LekspGjWnmTpaOHxE1IxThBVqwvU_DmEylDQP7R170avsylIcqSIMxlr0P0QoB2VEDw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I took the photo in part because there was the tiniest bit of blue in the sky after days and days of grey weather. Want to see more? But of course you do!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqN-doJv5lawbJl37vEzx_vzt-A8HBlS-ObO1b6mdAkMpFx3O5se02th_2ey2sI4Gzd4BBZbPWjTuk-hdMyxtjkriL6jgYaJrLYHVnE09WY-1KMTF1aPhutyfXPdHAmhg0K9tE0xSg1cXgXNotg8O7G9-06FnpLqhCXzNn655CyaNRb2mkwM7_FkltqOI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqN-doJv5lawbJl37vEzx_vzt-A8HBlS-ObO1b6mdAkMpFx3O5se02th_2ey2sI4Gzd4BBZbPWjTuk-hdMyxtjkriL6jgYaJrLYHVnE09WY-1KMTF1aPhutyfXPdHAmhg0K9tE0xSg1cXgXNotg8O7G9-06FnpLqhCXzNn655CyaNRb2mkwM7_FkltqOI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>As you well know, being the faithful reader that you are, that I love this sort of thing. Actually I love it all, even the grey and chilly days with rain. Again, ask me in a month or so, how I feel about it then. Imagine what all this looks like with snow????<p></p><p>I did some walking along the road looking for plant material to fill a vase. Think brown and sort of like what you might buy dried. Anyway, it was wonderful going first one direction,</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggThtV-dUAJVzb6NqlZJSjtouu3arL3lKb24uRPTBt1qyUAFQt6qqw9-rfSucz6c0mU-qhQM9cdq0i-rz7ssPRo3t9tOgv7rp1YdvI5iVXhkvc4yE4nwb3uSH9Y7MEGC_YtTa18YjEkeM9edFoQjnq9pVtbGuMIvkegftDO7ZMS12lFMy7rvxtSDUn-H4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggThtV-dUAJVzb6NqlZJSjtouu3arL3lKb24uRPTBt1qyUAFQt6qqw9-rfSucz6c0mU-qhQM9cdq0i-rz7ssPRo3t9tOgv7rp1YdvI5iVXhkvc4yE4nwb3uSH9Y7MEGC_YtTa18YjEkeM9edFoQjnq9pVtbGuMIvkegftDO7ZMS12lFMy7rvxtSDUn-H4=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>and then the other. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilZeKN7JkAbmdPMrCxxCxnkWBlNWFZPL06aX9GrQNJXOoQSwHEaxpEP3z2laVsJVODmVv34cuLZ6_sEgXiZHZOabUZnTjxlXakrSP9AGhXwEOmbS1JSWCmiwFOgn0rGvfT4TI9ZoATCyB5lIEM79LoNeFs2MHckX38OCbTUqKl325Mt4oW5XprX2DLTWM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilZeKN7JkAbmdPMrCxxCxnkWBlNWFZPL06aX9GrQNJXOoQSwHEaxpEP3z2laVsJVODmVv34cuLZ6_sEgXiZHZOabUZnTjxlXakrSP9AGhXwEOmbS1JSWCmiwFOgn0rGvfT4TI9ZoATCyB5lIEM79LoNeFs2MHckX38OCbTUqKl325Mt4oW5XprX2DLTWM" width="640" /></a></div>Look how many colors there are! I know they were even brighter but I, for one, am not getting greedy and enjoying every color that I see. The above is at the end of Warren Drive and is a home for vacation rental. <p></p><p>No goldfinch this time of yea,r but there are a multitude of Carolina Chickadees who seem to be loving the new feeder and seeds.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbGRVYzh1RWpZRSgNskSovEQFv92QSzY_8CRr9--ndCFWBeDNDQimzPaYZeyRyoqrD5L1O0exON0KV-MgWVI5P2Pq7qPS59tar6LDp9WDyk6BpYa4tE0Gu-rRDyPF3OhMw8B0x4pFsY-lwgD1S-v6SrGcx0RLvuoRGYYFV7jxlDZQguIYFGbSd5faqi24" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbGRVYzh1RWpZRSgNskSovEQFv92QSzY_8CRr9--ndCFWBeDNDQimzPaYZeyRyoqrD5L1O0exON0KV-MgWVI5P2Pq7qPS59tar6LDp9WDyk6BpYa4tE0Gu-rRDyPF3OhMw8B0x4pFsY-lwgD1S-v6SrGcx0RLvuoRGYYFV7jxlDZQguIYFGbSd5faqi24=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Holy cow have we been seeing deer.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkSd4L8HT3veUmCMIEtr5kiunfRMWV8i4vppRrAJbgs_gE4Snxps8GyMJSgI-SZVQFciPkazsYRlEs1TfFEkokIT8TYoz6cfpxtCg4FUjUklGeXy5RkWzzRVkOmsDZ-l5exFhuXi1YdACQbYOeNriUxHOJ03ushwNBBLUaMDAZ_CCy3u1QduJiUoWC-ek" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkSd4L8HT3veUmCMIEtr5kiunfRMWV8i4vppRrAJbgs_gE4Snxps8GyMJSgI-SZVQFciPkazsYRlEs1TfFEkokIT8TYoz6cfpxtCg4FUjUklGeXy5RkWzzRVkOmsDZ-l5exFhuXi1YdACQbYOeNriUxHOJ03ushwNBBLUaMDAZ_CCy3u1QduJiUoWC-ek" width="640" /></a></div>Just before nightfall, and as an aside is it getting dark so early, but anyway, I walked onto the porch and observed SEVEN deer from my perch!! Early yesterday morning, just after daybreak, I wanted to document the fog and lo and behold what did I see? You tell me.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii_izSIWvamiX0QreSkisNxQ27WbgdTMCOLnFKws-r3xRITN8JvUosOnTdz_tmK3rOSyS69GMvKE6aoRmoXfysjvhIsRBRPv0bVa18zy-IWss1Ebn2TbfnwtZXqvSlDqOQkXCQRZkIIJBX0bT4TWYEakwvvAy0710vltcWfi_xXQyhdhDsgoim0KsZ4ms" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii_izSIWvamiX0QreSkisNxQ27WbgdTMCOLnFKws-r3xRITN8JvUosOnTdz_tmK3rOSyS69GMvKE6aoRmoXfysjvhIsRBRPv0bVa18zy-IWss1Ebn2TbfnwtZXqvSlDqOQkXCQRZkIIJBX0bT4TWYEakwvvAy0710vltcWfi_xXQyhdhDsgoim0KsZ4ms=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>This place is wonderful for someone who craves variety, unlike in Florida where it is mostly the same day in and day out. That said, the magnificence of our Florida sunrises and sunsets are not to be dismissed! It is just the hot and muggy stuff in between that becomes tiresome. :)<p></p><p>When I left you in <a href="https://gpeck.blogspot.com/2023/11/all-leaves-are-brown.html">my last post</a> , we were heading to lunch with Curt and Nancy and not only did we have a delightful time chatting and catching up on their trip, the scenery behind the restaurant was pretty great too. But first we had to get there using the four-lane, or so the locals call it. And yes, we do have a McDonalds here although we have never been.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeyQ41PlS9YVRNo6OI5botf_7AKpjQEsGTyMcQ9cvf-P6qetuA8SDWstnLd0KUWnfX0qx7ZUUL7P-Ft_brR_XnM4qvFVwsycSy5xTGZEuJPfMFKy-G2MQcEfFLio0XdZ5Oa4fNIUANqHWVnkDeNHAF_bLuG8HOkcWWDrcZ6XArgNdigx2P1CKsEDl0pOM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeyQ41PlS9YVRNo6OI5botf_7AKpjQEsGTyMcQ9cvf-P6qetuA8SDWstnLd0KUWnfX0qx7ZUUL7P-Ft_brR_XnM4qvFVwsycSy5xTGZEuJPfMFKy-G2MQcEfFLio0XdZ5Oa4fNIUANqHWVnkDeNHAF_bLuG8HOkcWWDrcZ6XArgNdigx2P1CKsEDl0pOM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Look at those colors!!! Look at these...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbnbyumGpUzq9nG5uChPZ7kbRlCbECTOGByU4ger-dkYED8esy0YzIQkmvb-F_vkJI8CcsySKGPpn9uDJegm8Gh9EzukUY7qLa6q5xL6-AMoNc278QhxEtUVjVcyn9kRybzv0Hxi-kAT1GdqNiv2R5SygzeHvk63Beph-BeRQpWB_ko2P87ODFicDEMEc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbnbyumGpUzq9nG5uChPZ7kbRlCbECTOGByU4ger-dkYED8esy0YzIQkmvb-F_vkJI8CcsySKGPpn9uDJegm8Gh9EzukUY7qLa6q5xL6-AMoNc278QhxEtUVjVcyn9kRybzv0Hxi-kAT1GdqNiv2R5SygzeHvk63Beph-BeRQpWB_ko2P87ODFicDEMEc=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>It is positively fantastic! Susan, another pb friend, the one who kindly gave me her unneeded supply of Eliquis, told us to explore a road called Bell Hill. She lives here, we do not, so but of course we will listen to her suggestion. Oh my goodness, do I love it!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGHVevJt0Yjl-GQbWAnkXmcXbJRJNjwGYzCeYelLTfvICPV_kDOZMqGZpq3u6qdweCfFKbUZ3QnDL6Cr8ENURTkDYyA-g7xm20GAKOLzDHiGM2Ihzdl4IXwjfR8R0uxXJMNnaHkM2yqnoj2jhB4C5xgrdD6PiBoOnLAyZjh1f6u0qISIN1jw-A4s9WSic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4120" data-original-width="3090" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGHVevJt0Yjl-GQbWAnkXmcXbJRJNjwGYzCeYelLTfvICPV_kDOZMqGZpq3u6qdweCfFKbUZ3QnDL6Cr8ENURTkDYyA-g7xm20GAKOLzDHiGM2Ihzdl4IXwjfR8R0uxXJMNnaHkM2yqnoj2jhB4C5xgrdD6PiBoOnLAyZjh1f6u0qISIN1jw-A4s9WSic=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Plenty of curves, color and hills which is the vantage point this was taken from.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7QTZcSt2QfuXFBfsNr6PAfjaF05fPXeLG9L_IjjKIVTbqwADUbFJX-AAg77V71C2hxR7FHKSr8sU62o5sPVCyVsMhw63z6cGbhCmK9OkygaHC8nuC0QZ62rHg0tkCZA8piEUjgrMje7x-36AdgB34NxI90iqqjKRrUqlfNzbJZt7Eoi60-iYEkpaWE_w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7QTZcSt2QfuXFBfsNr6PAfjaF05fPXeLG9L_IjjKIVTbqwADUbFJX-AAg77V71C2hxR7FHKSr8sU62o5sPVCyVsMhw63z6cGbhCmK9OkygaHC8nuC0QZ62rHg0tkCZA8piEUjgrMje7x-36AdgB34NxI90iqqjKRrUqlfNzbJZt7Eoi60-iYEkpaWE_w=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><u>Florida woman goes mad with joy at leaf colors</u>!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIVK-9YeB-RYcWJqC3pmUyETh7GW5vrtxsocH9_uOKJx3bvJ6yLuCqF981OzAFjQJRchtZWrsUZdyCcWxjsBEj37YcO257wGbGAV3ST8d3MIRymM1Vmg95Er7RXCLLf6zgeH6a_1b4gmCo46ubKNDbUYvJZqUorTvA0A-q5opqtGcAKWbKjVvN4LyXQZ8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIVK-9YeB-RYcWJqC3pmUyETh7GW5vrtxsocH9_uOKJx3bvJ6yLuCqF981OzAFjQJRchtZWrsUZdyCcWxjsBEj37YcO257wGbGAV3ST8d3MIRymM1Vmg95Er7RXCLLf6zgeH6a_1b4gmCo46ubKNDbUYvJZqUorTvA0A-q5opqtGcAKWbKjVvN4LyXQZ8=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Further on Bruce pulled into the Bell Hill church parking lot and the view from that vantage point was terrific.</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKsdnNYO3mvGfjRJUSmq47tm0wngjbidwaNHiBgoii9T-6ozo0SS-t5FamdWADZMC4Hss3tl88pDgBzhyVwz5LApUE0ctkXm7J9B6FPoAPYyOzY1YVUP4wgat02vxrtH7sisjj4CrPW5QRj425lR4AtO21wiOsAuhOPVemwBLptftRUJZRRG41ONqqe9E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2502" data-original-width="3336" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKsdnNYO3mvGfjRJUSmq47tm0wngjbidwaNHiBgoii9T-6ozo0SS-t5FamdWADZMC4Hss3tl88pDgBzhyVwz5LApUE0ctkXm7J9B6FPoAPYyOzY1YVUP4wgat02vxrtH7sisjj4CrPW5QRj425lR4AtO21wiOsAuhOPVemwBLptftRUJZRRG41ONqqe9E=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">It felt as if we had died and gone to heaven having the opportunity to witness such beauty. </span></div></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLc0EOk9-XNMj2gRLYVdMO8WhjAll1X0AlNuVmVm0xd_o-oqQhcXXAZKNXIwcg3YNaloK4tKjM9xBYAJ5qPBkhNKJA5wy6RCHRDpSd-WMVE2x9NfTptOMtph9DPIi8Bn11Nk9lTyn2coAWgk_8b8AbPEkzjOSHhNFwi6zv1MI_i4Iks8YWt7rnyP8ENt0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLc0EOk9-XNMj2gRLYVdMO8WhjAll1X0AlNuVmVm0xd_o-oqQhcXXAZKNXIwcg3YNaloK4tKjM9xBYAJ5qPBkhNKJA5wy6RCHRDpSd-WMVE2x9NfTptOMtph9DPIi8Bn11Nk9lTyn2coAWgk_8b8AbPEkzjOSHhNFwi6zv1MI_i4Iks8YWt7rnyP8ENt0=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>If you want to see Gail hyped up, take her somewhere gorgeous! Thankfully, the drive home was mostly uneventful, a very good thing though because my heart was so full I thought it might burst. I did enjoy watching the below scene unfold.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxrJDZwncfh4x29YK7Cv-45DqiV1N7p_pmx8HQ1zV9Q7zvdMARBuFvBuRXkPG099CreuTeDb-jsGpnuD3DNizZ_n-_vYNYeD2WlTabxISFAW1pNhqk9rHtB8ryyfpwUYPKHDu0ngRwFuo8G_Rt7dCI8XN2zxvH6egmt4Zev9WfSG2w5T3aGU3DjcInkio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxrJDZwncfh4x29YK7Cv-45DqiV1N7p_pmx8HQ1zV9Q7zvdMARBuFvBuRXkPG099CreuTeDb-jsGpnuD3DNizZ_n-_vYNYeD2WlTabxISFAW1pNhqk9rHtB8ryyfpwUYPKHDu0ngRwFuo8G_Rt7dCI8XN2zxvH6egmt4Zev9WfSG2w5T3aGU3DjcInkio" width="640" /></a></div>Now you have seen the four lane.<p></p><p>In real time, meaning this morning as I type, our car battery is dead and we are waiting on AAA to come charge it. Unfortunately, the back hatch latch pops open pretty easily, especially when the keys are in Bruce's pocket, which is where they were last evening. Heading out the carport door to check if I had enough clothes on for 38 degree weather, I saw it was open, knowing full well that it was a bad sign. I think I hear them now, so hopefully it won't be too long before we are get-to-go. The sun is shining, but for how long is anyone's guess so I want to take advantage of it for my walk. The sun shone on and off in the last week, but to say there has been an abundance is an exaggeration for sure.</p><p>It was not entirely absent from it's perch in the sky though, shedding light on this scene of leaves raining down.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh44-FwS59hba5fnTaDWlp81LT-xv6BmVeB2kfehvZUgOMH-TpirofvoTSWMwQgMpmmZkWNmOuYjv7Kt9WlY0hb19zjuSqBjlSm-kCn_mHBfcQeCwgu6e_5JCnsnD-y8jenuRhuQHRyhC2EWwpe0jGmG7T1xiGDRombznaMrsTWMXjwb0b6tSQDF_u8kag" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh44-FwS59hba5fnTaDWlp81LT-xv6BmVeB2kfehvZUgOMH-TpirofvoTSWMwQgMpmmZkWNmOuYjv7Kt9WlY0hb19zjuSqBjlSm-kCn_mHBfcQeCwgu6e_5JCnsnD-y8jenuRhuQHRyhC2EWwpe0jGmG7T1xiGDRombznaMrsTWMXjwb0b6tSQDF_u8kag=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>The big story here has been the ongoing fire near Andrews; the last we heard the burned acreage was nearing 5,000. Mentioning the grey skies and rain was meant to be a good thing because although it was not heavy by any means, apparently it was enough to put a slight damper on the fire. We drove to Andrews to see what we could see. The dreary sky is a combination of overcast skies, fog, and smoke, although happily the smoke smell was very much diminished.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio3VwCbSpE-7nhyhTTXMipUEmqncRxkKiqOyL5iZe8ku6-jLz07HI4KoYnf6GfiHm_MlzArvZRlSk2QgCIe31lHDQajT8W71Mn9OPooZZGeu6GRvT_O__1mJMNiGgTPskGjrDgE2vfrrGNgkUn_SYRy7trLjLcbzAtEffkFZTLXZjxPwfxkSL3O3s6Ce4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio3VwCbSpE-7nhyhTTXMipUEmqncRxkKiqOyL5iZe8ku6-jLz07HI4KoYnf6GfiHm_MlzArvZRlSk2QgCIe31lHDQajT8W71Mn9OPooZZGeu6GRvT_O__1mJMNiGgTPskGjrDgE2vfrrGNgkUn_SYRy7trLjLcbzAtEffkFZTLXZjxPwfxkSL3O3s6Ce4" width="640" /></a></div>Junaluska Road and the surrounding area, in particular Lord's Way, were said to be adjacent to the fire so we made our way to said road and oh my goodness was it beautiful. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjyaFjHFyFsS1xPP7ald3jIwtPb2KQ4gtHL5Os_2T_QQHUW59Awc9MU5ZvaDY04SiBL4bclPxv7DnKfW7JoFVs412hRv6GOLSI-z4O0cBzsRlWI1YNYygzS13TBmU6RNYTiIbTDTiPhcHIZyj9kFlk941YIpaJxSiFWFekvQeW3HcnvQe9KZeQMRg-WVo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjyaFjHFyFsS1xPP7ald3jIwtPb2KQ4gtHL5Os_2T_QQHUW59Awc9MU5ZvaDY04SiBL4bclPxv7DnKfW7JoFVs412hRv6GOLSI-z4O0cBzsRlWI1YNYygzS13TBmU6RNYTiIbTDTiPhcHIZyj9kFlk941YIpaJxSiFWFekvQeW3HcnvQe9KZeQMRg-WVo=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Chilly indeed, or can you read the car display? 54 baby!<div><br /></div><div>What do you think about me doing a whole series of sideview mirror shots of me?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiug8QY8iWeYTPR4ugnvslfvsydTw_55dchUUZXXCOPfhM6B1yVKdOZUiOKYONaUSIHvLjwQE2rR2-kJPo5ruQj7Db_DYUoFIjw3I8QA5ECKhrw5Jj9PhWH8GIE9Hxhoe6JqxQeQAMDeGObjFcBeJWALIe6s-DphozBPd-ORaJCbPGGQmBWTCfyMHjzUu4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiug8QY8iWeYTPR4ugnvslfvsydTw_55dchUUZXXCOPfhM6B1yVKdOZUiOKYONaUSIHvLjwQE2rR2-kJPo5ruQj7Db_DYUoFIjw3I8QA5ECKhrw5Jj9PhWH8GIE9Hxhoe6JqxQeQAMDeGObjFcBeJWALIe6s-DphozBPd-ORaJCbPGGQmBWTCfyMHjzUu4=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>My head was bobbing from side to side as my dear husband drove us to see what we could see.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJepMFojRv14RrdYWdyfLuwGFY6Y5ZnNgXLdiSUGrNLqOAzQ5t_97STHPJO9SjZm9S7fS5rmE1f8HHX9q1DUi32QgU4X496lTXmUGdI0xNIEPqnj3Av6iJQZgHbqxBcUSmcqxG4TOTsVAMFWwNhjsvEaOIFqY8DW0L8gMj8JwFv26QZOWf8qOrHZowu3E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJepMFojRv14RrdYWdyfLuwGFY6Y5ZnNgXLdiSUGrNLqOAzQ5t_97STHPJO9SjZm9S7fS5rmE1f8HHX9q1DUi32QgU4X496lTXmUGdI0xNIEPqnj3Av6iJQZgHbqxBcUSmcqxG4TOTsVAMFWwNhjsvEaOIFqY8DW0L8gMj8JwFv26QZOWf8qOrHZowu3E" width="640" /></a></div>Of course I had to have him stop the car for me to pop out because there is no way that I can pass up the chance to photograph something like this! Fortunately he never says no, having the patience of a saint.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPuZyfll_J8m-ypBM8V8D7pJsVCUr3X1hMRn4xBvpHawVOqDMpaox6AkC0D1LeGMVF2GDauTt0cUf1jk9PmghShDiCxt4sqzKHtUgpvSojaBuyNim8IwQSIGcIAuvTGTi5aSy1GMWrfEJpEuxf0xz6WJKbYg0bt9mIjxh18FlCyrGxlfAh6aB0v_Zp7es" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2655" data-original-width="3540" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPuZyfll_J8m-ypBM8V8D7pJsVCUr3X1hMRn4xBvpHawVOqDMpaox6AkC0D1LeGMVF2GDauTt0cUf1jk9PmghShDiCxt4sqzKHtUgpvSojaBuyNim8IwQSIGcIAuvTGTi5aSy1GMWrfEJpEuxf0xz6WJKbYg0bt9mIjxh18FlCyrGxlfAh6aB0v_Zp7es=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>As it turns out, we never did encounter smoke or fire, leaving us puzzled but grateful because surely it must be a good sign. </div><div><br /></div><div>What in the world was I thinking when I proclaimed that "all the leaves are brown"? </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir06V_oMVqCW-Y794PcTSQXdGrXAcgBazoy-U7zwidMEbUWG3EtmlDuqIgVlF9Bp1U4A8LNqO4CuoDV8og70HG0BXfSKTU9FFKDSVwg_xCQOcu_Dln7ol_aoiRVK60m98INb9vshJ8bXeCfl3svO3-PqLUpDWyqFuj3uNvnWVX9pRazUSHfiH-VEGueEk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir06V_oMVqCW-Y794PcTSQXdGrXAcgBazoy-U7zwidMEbUWG3EtmlDuqIgVlF9Bp1U4A8LNqO4CuoDV8og70HG0BXfSKTU9FFKDSVwg_xCQOcu_Dln7ol_aoiRVK60m98INb9vshJ8bXeCfl3svO3-PqLUpDWyqFuj3uNvnWVX9pRazUSHfiH-VEGueEk=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>In my head I know that it can't last much longer but in my heart I sure hope that it will. In the meantime, seeing this scene from the woods adjacent to the cottage fills my soul with joy and gratitude that up to now we have our health. Our happiness, that goes without saying!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidJp0gV0hj_SdbuTLaH5Ie8EoXKuPMofegtNSu5kdQ6EY7gXQ-Yu7PA08XmBRUQoGOCbVYabhCZAqQ-VauJa44dlwaGnrCNKpQMdkPGNZW5vLNOsBO0UHm4P30c_wEWT-o-ibFt3SvenXpHv17oJTqIzsZ3urmWd1U3wOjWxjw0sTcuuIwqVA1y9jp18o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidJp0gV0hj_SdbuTLaH5Ie8EoXKuPMofegtNSu5kdQ6EY7gXQ-Yu7PA08XmBRUQoGOCbVYabhCZAqQ-VauJa44dlwaGnrCNKpQMdkPGNZW5vLNOsBO0UHm4P30c_wEWT-o-ibFt3SvenXpHv17oJTqIzsZ3urmWd1U3wOjWxjw0sTcuuIwqVA1y9jp18o=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Lastly, in other news, it seems as if I may begin selling photography again in a cute downtown shop. I promise to keep you posted.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime I remain,</div><div><br /></div><div>your friend,</div><div><br /></div><div>Gail<p> </p></div>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-20278195870649101632023-11-09T10:06:00.001-05:002023-11-09T10:06:04.347-05:00All the Leaves are Brown<p>While not true, it is a catchy title isn't it? Of course one has to be of a certain age to get it but most of you are, or so I imagine. A deep rust is what is most prevalent and it is good. Very good. I am taking pictures like mad as I encounter new stands of trees in different light. On my Monday afternoon walk, done while Bruce was doing his thing, the light was lovely, as were the trees along the river.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtYKN-OIjY3jy_SaXD7alPr8JFieaS5T0FcNMGvk_fSYMioomsXRcY2aK82PMnXt5tzGw_Na6sXvDlP-BHGBLxmp7KFsRsPzxvPiN3yV7TMDxP3VsO493B6MZwg2bE-nlutzzJRTmfVMVhuyKzHGrHOr9y0dXozUVPF2s44LFsN67S29ceMoz2B9ixQIg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtYKN-OIjY3jy_SaXD7alPr8JFieaS5T0FcNMGvk_fSYMioomsXRcY2aK82PMnXt5tzGw_Na6sXvDlP-BHGBLxmp7KFsRsPzxvPiN3yV7TMDxP3VsO493B6MZwg2bE-nlutzzJRTmfVMVhuyKzHGrHOr9y0dXozUVPF2s44LFsN67S29ceMoz2B9ixQIg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The day began cold, but warmed up nicely, so much so that no jacket was necessary and in fact, I was wearing a tank top by the time I made it into town to wait for my ride. While we were home, Bruce and I did loads of activities apart, but now that we are back to one car again, we spend lots of time together which suits us just fine.<p></p><p><u><a href="https://gpeck.blogspot.com/2023/11/the-world-looks-different.html">My last post ended with a photograph of me wearing my Uggs in a sea of leaves</a></u>. This post, once again will include my shoes, but they look entirely different due to my relentless curiosity.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVtL3laGYtqn5DIjJKoxyYvmnP9XquHDwhwH69WkQxzEnhPqoLvM76j7ppjryPo8zIiXOEhpY_oO7O5KlFcT0TmQqGNowjbU4t0N9yD_SM58n1F26eP36O9WO5tSgGqj6uO04OIWuOJzHzF5Nvx_-CZKHcX0Y0bbkANoab8kwBnCFBlLkOiYdFftAL31g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVtL3laGYtqn5DIjJKoxyYvmnP9XquHDwhwH69WkQxzEnhPqoLvM76j7ppjryPo8zIiXOEhpY_oO7O5KlFcT0TmQqGNowjbU4t0N9yD_SM58n1F26eP36O9WO5tSgGqj6uO04OIWuOJzHzF5Nvx_-CZKHcX0Y0bbkANoab8kwBnCFBlLkOiYdFftAL31g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>And yes that would be mud and lots of it. Thank gosh it was not even more as I managed to pull my feet out before I sunk in any deeper! You see, the river is very, very low and when I came to this part I thought to myself, and now I can't even remember what the heck I was trying to photograph, but anyway, walking closer to the river seemed like a fine idea at the time. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7tacbtSPeX8M7-SFp3UCPS3lSEzjPOiDiMBCyoI6JmcZgt1QThngBP08Rt9zwCsgqeoInmw0qzKoB5NRzpzdbF7010_F9JkdpYsUFLHGIwjSXGCiCxf1CHmeEhJTkKvd8Qflo1tTTQEWCqmPdA90maMs5sbJ7L4Y-ZT2knsnIw4L1Ms_F237cBb0XeXI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7tacbtSPeX8M7-SFp3UCPS3lSEzjPOiDiMBCyoI6JmcZgt1QThngBP08Rt9zwCsgqeoInmw0qzKoB5NRzpzdbF7010_F9JkdpYsUFLHGIwjSXGCiCxf1CHmeEhJTkKvd8Qflo1tTTQEWCqmPdA90maMs5sbJ7L4Y-ZT2knsnIw4L1Ms_F237cBb0XeXI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Does that look like quicksand to you? It sure felt like what I imagine quicksand to feel like!<p></p><p>While trying not to panic, I must say it may have been a first time experience for me as I tried to figure out how to get up higher on the bank. Amusing right now to recount, but at the time, it was a wee bit scary. But what the heck, our time here is all about new experiences and this one was a doozy. I suspect the people I encountered on the rest of the walk either did not notice an elderly woman with mud caked shoes and socks, or if they did, wondered what in the world did she do? π</p><p>So let's back up some days shall we? Our first stop on Saturday morning was to the donut shop before we went to Ingles/WalMart to stock up on groceries. Look at those Murphy Bulldogs!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_Rro4tq36AruY8EpdTLEealCnrbIvyQMGAU2VSdbxAP8aeXmPXMytOedXokrxeETl3sRpidNBN4qcyAtWdF6ELICdAQu9jnmdaL82VABoi3DiqdtstF0zrgoC40rHvOYOy2RyEwiWG3BC8bnVRjqlfCoTFbin6ashWLjVa6VxSIF6-wuPPEO86vXmrxI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_Rro4tq36AruY8EpdTLEealCnrbIvyQMGAU2VSdbxAP8aeXmPXMytOedXokrxeETl3sRpidNBN4qcyAtWdF6ELICdAQu9jnmdaL82VABoi3DiqdtstF0zrgoC40rHvOYOy2RyEwiWG3BC8bnVRjqlfCoTFbin6ashWLjVa6VxSIF6-wuPPEO86vXmrxI=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>And that is old news as the latest Scout came out yesterday reporting that in the playoff game they scored 57 points on their way to the next round. The fans must be going crazy.<p></p><p>That day it was quite chilly, giving Bruce the opportunity to try out the wonderful gas fire pit John and Laura surprised us with upon our return.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaca1rrfVV_nia1LbDcJS0F2TEWUUFu2fXbza9WeLBH0K_hCW-kqnXF9-XYlHs3G3_w-9nv5BcYPdiZyQ6gITCIRG-pb90Uto4ptUONNVu10O1R5eTrcaTOclBqDuaI99xkEbslRHqDe-1HA0cbrewueFzjVE9J2MlRIT_PwA_73TFB5B9Cf9AHYxlzQE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaca1rrfVV_nia1LbDcJS0F2TEWUUFu2fXbza9WeLBH0K_hCW-kqnXF9-XYlHs3G3_w-9nv5BcYPdiZyQ6gITCIRG-pb90Uto4ptUONNVu10O1R5eTrcaTOclBqDuaI99xkEbslRHqDe-1HA0cbrewueFzjVE9J2MlRIT_PwA_73TFB5B9Cf9AHYxlzQE=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>Chilly might not be the most accurate word because frost on the ground, or in this case, on the table and chairs John had drying in the yard, usually means a little more to most folks. For someone who is becoming more and more heat intolerant as the years pass, I welcome the cold.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCbpO2JeNvh0eAX0JlOaaDQpE77dd-UHvxgIX7aY7Qhz2CxtSpUnDUQGTTxxza9nFT-xsD-bG87vzCiLQvmkh1Ootk-sk872iKGtKDnZmAeGZQf1CORmbNDH0wlkEzYnS5Rg0daCRo6WYHxu2yuxO9xYZXWVeZpjUqHEczfv54vkZvmP0wcUXyro2r6OE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCbpO2JeNvh0eAX0JlOaaDQpE77dd-UHvxgIX7aY7Qhz2CxtSpUnDUQGTTxxza9nFT-xsD-bG87vzCiLQvmkh1Ootk-sk872iKGtKDnZmAeGZQf1CORmbNDH0wlkEzYnS5Rg0daCRo6WYHxu2yuxO9xYZXWVeZpjUqHEczfv54vkZvmP0wcUXyro2r6OE" width="640" /></a></div>So there are two things notable about the above photograph with the most obvious being the frost-covered table and chairs. The second notable sight is that of a house below the slope. When we first arrived in the middle of June, summer leaves were in full effect and the view from the top of the driveway looked like this.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPfid1uNT7jBIDFJUCBGVND56guUQkYoqp6y0SbwFRhNDOtzYn2hesadD-g9ewzNJQvh--zihGDnL8rrZ0XuxXq4_sDtZWU-s4wVAw1bhV8BQ9oa2grLdZOzYmBdL5e7bqoYV7A5N3AJvXV_RyWH_Rt_mJ5C8VRNcCigzpQkcBQD3uzse2XEFxf34qKqo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPfid1uNT7jBIDFJUCBGVND56guUQkYoqp6y0SbwFRhNDOtzYn2hesadD-g9ewzNJQvh--zihGDnL8rrZ0XuxXq4_sDtZWU-s4wVAw1bhV8BQ9oa2grLdZOzYmBdL5e7bqoYV7A5N3AJvXV_RyWH_Rt_mJ5C8VRNcCigzpQkcBQD3uzse2XEFxf34qKqo=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Here we are, four plus months later, and now it looks like this.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ4-3Hm9tQxNF-tXNBOQQK7vaD2DHa9J4gTKvTq1N5SGbN4LeFc4n7w8FwvwEYXIIX5R6HqUQG7ifkxTG5XSNpl3BiGxrLv8oKB4QMiIAVJ2Y_WRH4Vlp_b1pPosmSjmkr5PoRBzhDlOeYQpx6ItWwldgQybA2bQmP7ssfryE_5CwUSMQwpxAqXI1rTvo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ4-3Hm9tQxNF-tXNBOQQK7vaD2DHa9J4gTKvTq1N5SGbN4LeFc4n7w8FwvwEYXIIX5R6HqUQG7ifkxTG5XSNpl3BiGxrLv8oKB4QMiIAVJ2Y_WRH4Vlp_b1pPosmSjmkr5PoRBzhDlOeYQpx6ItWwldgQybA2bQmP7ssfryE_5CwUSMQwpxAqXI1rTvo=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>As you may recall, I referenced how the world looks different now in my last post and wow, just wow, comparing the two photographs is astonishing to this Florida gal. Anyway, when I heard barking dogs on that June day, when John said it was coming from the neighbors house I asked, "where is there a neighbor?" As I recall, he looked somewhat amused by my question because to him it was so obvious. Now I get it as well!<p></p><p>Saturday, following the Florida State game, which was far more difficult to watch than I was hoping it would be, and yes we did manage to win, but it was not pretty. Anyway, we were invited to a bonfire and a bowl of stew at our neighbor's and it was a damn impressive bonfire.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlCKx7UiFa3KCVHbOTCX0A3cUPFSlC_3bv5cG2-0mbYZaoDb41LdX9QcVrV_mrddox37Ep6OD5cw8l03df46bmqO244fWcwY1bJNc3bgnzR6Itac3nSlvP64av32QiMVdbMkdlWJhaHwYjgdruK-euGr8R3Y2npub-OofuegtLPNpBS_hK3el6QXDQeM0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlCKx7UiFa3KCVHbOTCX0A3cUPFSlC_3bv5cG2-0mbYZaoDb41LdX9QcVrV_mrddox37Ep6OD5cw8l03df46bmqO244fWcwY1bJNc3bgnzR6Itac3nSlvP64av32QiMVdbMkdlWJhaHwYjgdruK-euGr8R3Y2npub-OofuegtLPNpBS_hK3el6QXDQeM0=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>While a gas fire is convenient, there is nothing quite like a real fire on a cold night! Again, can you believe our luck? <p></p><p>Back to the furniture in the yard, it was John's last delivery for the year. As you may recall he builds high quality lawn furniture, sells it at festivals and art shows, and donates the profits to local charities. He scheduled everything around his knee replacement surgery which happened on Tuesday. If you can imagine, earlier this morning, I saw him walking without a walker on their sidewalk! He claims it feels better than his old knee, and who am I to disagree? </p><p>I emptied my little camera card this morning and found this wonderful photo of Keith and Patty who hosted us for a little happy hour on the eve of our departure. Keith was our helper on our first get-away, emptying a humidifier Bruce has in his tool closet at home. Not just that, but he trimmed our beast of a tree as well. They are mighty good folks. He has been relieved of his duties, not because he wanted to be, but Bruce bought a larger unit with a hose that will empty into the garden. I am enlisting the help of Bill and others to keep the baby car going. The odometer finally rolled over the 30,000 mark after nearly 10 years.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgq6T3pS3PG1ShLFcdYItAjZDg7depEbIimgaeYBFfrtgyB_fvyVapIGD-jBktF08dHkwr5XmqMxuxuLOJKRX2qnE4641gZ6vGV-V623umay3Q_qjHL6sDZKcXHA53MTB9HUGUTKCICMKfyAoXHecyFAuv3OhONwmKZud4gr3DgL5HTA4rk5xheMB7HH_M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgq6T3pS3PG1ShLFcdYItAjZDg7depEbIimgaeYBFfrtgyB_fvyVapIGD-jBktF08dHkwr5XmqMxuxuLOJKRX2qnE4641gZ6vGV-V623umay3Q_qjHL6sDZKcXHA53MTB9HUGUTKCICMKfyAoXHecyFAuv3OhONwmKZud4gr3DgL5HTA4rk5xheMB7HH_M=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Speaking of home, this was our landing spot before things made their way into the car. Bruce did an amazing job of fitting it all into the Subaru which was packed to the gills. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOXPZJC76EG2eaBxziFCvB3-_HkzGUu1lzvinaL5p0zrzdNQYl4GJhLIZAXoUMrYo_GJttNQzqZWQBbW-0eDRFPp6dI8hKE7KeCM4_KyxMsVqB85guClSdWd0a4JVGvw1FqKZ4N0L_KDzL0I1a9fTIDElYu-meLnM6Vh-hTyR2PWMc7_HiN9EyatGT1vk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2818" data-original-width="4227" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOXPZJC76EG2eaBxziFCvB3-_HkzGUu1lzvinaL5p0zrzdNQYl4GJhLIZAXoUMrYo_GJttNQzqZWQBbW-0eDRFPp6dI8hKE7KeCM4_KyxMsVqB85guClSdWd0a4JVGvw1FqKZ4N0L_KDzL0I1a9fTIDElYu-meLnM6Vh-hTyR2PWMc7_HiN9EyatGT1vk=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div>In one of those boxes went some of my utensils that I cannot live without.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUPi3I9ui9RcXPCv1km_6X5V-o8ZPs_1IpqufxuDxoNhB9bTuqORg7IjRMmXq-VbF-N6EaVtq6H1ekAONr-4A0AL9wKvsdiL1zw7qvlTgu-xsoF-drYibZCn6wFhrmHnA7aASpNHOc5NHz9IEDqoVOjt4w4V2nfNPjcmxEiJmIWTyoe6ggfa4dSVkN8ac" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUPi3I9ui9RcXPCv1km_6X5V-o8ZPs_1IpqufxuDxoNhB9bTuqORg7IjRMmXq-VbF-N6EaVtq6H1ekAONr-4A0AL9wKvsdiL1zw7qvlTgu-xsoF-drYibZCn6wFhrmHnA7aASpNHOc5NHz9IEDqoVOjt4w4V2nfNPjcmxEiJmIWTyoe6ggfa4dSVkN8ac=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div>Perhaps a slight exaggeration because I most certainly did live without them, and might I say I even thrived, however, because I could bring them, I did. <p></p><p>Let's go back to the river walk for a second and I will show you how things look with bare trees. By now the mud was drying on my shoes and socks because of the bright sunshine.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3QAwi_V1J-70oZmwRxwIRUFxVXLzJCUpc8kAdcZRJCxTCXF9VL7NHfwX3rkssM35s9CkwIkD1LNez8b_jcH2QDoGkOeY6VtyGvvY2M7Dxuc0TbYTZDk_322wCwXRdNk1Ij4kbTBxFs3FgjagRE2YWY0M7s8E2K6IA5KEcWj78e1f7szMvy-Je5t_QXDw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3QAwi_V1J-70oZmwRxwIRUFxVXLzJCUpc8kAdcZRJCxTCXF9VL7NHfwX3rkssM35s9CkwIkD1LNez8b_jcH2QDoGkOeY6VtyGvvY2M7Dxuc0TbYTZDk_322wCwXRdNk1Ij4kbTBxFs3FgjagRE2YWY0M7s8E2K6IA5KEcWj78e1f7szMvy-Je5t_QXDw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Let's look at another pair of shots of the same subject, the one below taken not too long before we left.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzmQujjUNPrsShbM1f8faNlKYc8oLjT0HiwnqwznYLGJBnL2mm7Yi0m3fU9kHTT59XuNcUu8eXDrOI_56NHPM09tZArOAfxbs1crK7-tWQEjaeHcyTk9EAgqv_ewVgwoSPsyqWBwYvjCTuAnMPEYF-kDm7l1PFNhbB6LmxTAiYyxuoLhJ0mUuztbq9S3M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3236" data-original-width="4315" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzmQujjUNPrsShbM1f8faNlKYc8oLjT0HiwnqwznYLGJBnL2mm7Yi0m3fU9kHTT59XuNcUu8eXDrOI_56NHPM09tZArOAfxbs1crK7-tWQEjaeHcyTk9EAgqv_ewVgwoSPsyqWBwYvjCTuAnMPEYF-kDm7l1PFNhbB6LmxTAiYyxuoLhJ0mUuztbq9S3M=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Whoa Nelly!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqxm5cat3vtoaGLKCozTHrps9F3S0KA91QJrWnr26uSToaqHb28vQzsVIN-5z44JiddLmUmu8ozr-GYKx51K0tFAn4XpzF_DK-lhxrZ_Hcsbw99O4VDvMDt2ZShA1J8ntttvLlQsQrXmCaaNIMyYiN9aHnvDpxc3w4TqnTr95WiN7q-7XxpjW9ASPzFMI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqxm5cat3vtoaGLKCozTHrps9F3S0KA91QJrWnr26uSToaqHb28vQzsVIN-5z44JiddLmUmu8ozr-GYKx51K0tFAn4XpzF_DK-lhxrZ_Hcsbw99O4VDvMDt2ZShA1J8ntttvLlQsQrXmCaaNIMyYiN9aHnvDpxc3w4TqnTr95WiN7q-7XxpjW9ASPzFMI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Same place, about a month apart. I am sure that it is just the sentiments of a first-timer here in the mountains, but by golly, the changes sure make life interesting! <p></p><p>Ask me how I feel in a month? </p><p>The deer are plentiful and we never tire of looking for them.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAyRoH1kvm_r3WV9DjnbsUKtK8L_arh9TVsjp71gP2YNgI0CAppic_zP9dwvclh0X2CAmT6zkWrvALigKnEriSCh1EtxgaxF4ireaoLdUHvudnKu_nwHlHjbhTmb1-XEkn4OBbA6HKR6rioBv4rSgaeO95l9d_eNifWIT8ccAc0hcuqiTgdUSC8vWeb0s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAyRoH1kvm_r3WV9DjnbsUKtK8L_arh9TVsjp71gP2YNgI0CAppic_zP9dwvclh0X2CAmT6zkWrvALigKnEriSCh1EtxgaxF4ireaoLdUHvudnKu_nwHlHjbhTmb1-XEkn4OBbA6HKR6rioBv4rSgaeO95l9d_eNifWIT8ccAc0hcuqiTgdUSC8vWeb0s=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Their natural camouflage is so amazing to me. Think about it for a second and you two will be amazed.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZkwOVYuo5EEajkOHE9I8PqmmQTN9IOSgFMLNQz6_2ej-tzTYjcW6HcjIsZ6lULoXECXX8qkAtm863J2gdO4PYZp7UuN3OHIWfFjgQN-ZwAp8rs0B1gyZLGm-qgblJxE_bbKavfAAChc9rH4KA0RM1zJpLpHWmgmjcrHuADHfZbF3Tufr3Xj6kbzmKOwY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZkwOVYuo5EEajkOHE9I8PqmmQTN9IOSgFMLNQz6_2ej-tzTYjcW6HcjIsZ6lULoXECXX8qkAtm863J2gdO4PYZp7UuN3OHIWfFjgQN-ZwAp8rs0B1gyZLGm-qgblJxE_bbKavfAAChc9rH4KA0RM1zJpLpHWmgmjcrHuADHfZbF3Tufr3Xj6kbzmKOwY" width="639" /></a></div>There is one piece of bad news around these parts and it is a growing wildfire which has put this into effect.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu7lR8uLN4ekmfHcr4vNEWY9U8IHB3Xb6mzZY2CNttKFu2UsAOjqB1VkcJM3cIO_PQ6lnrKshEWUYgIeTwDDj2RJxS0BPUdss4VrdmCH3WusvvuRAGcssICKNz38Lba71gfQgJ9pzCtYJ_QM_NdTpHo3mKKLjZyR0gUqNCZD0VPISX6FDq9UkMs6-ej2A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu7lR8uLN4ekmfHcr4vNEWY9U8IHB3Xb6mzZY2CNttKFu2UsAOjqB1VkcJM3cIO_PQ6lnrKshEWUYgIeTwDDj2RJxS0BPUdss4VrdmCH3WusvvuRAGcssICKNz38Lba71gfQgJ9pzCtYJ_QM_NdTpHo3mKKLjZyR0gUqNCZD0VPISX6FDq9UkMs6-ej2A=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/wildfire-smoke-western-north-carolina-air-quality">For some reason the one going in Henderson County is getting all of the press, however, the one nearby is much larger. </a>The first morning we were here, I thought I smelled smoke and the view of the mountains, much anticipated, was somewhat diminished. Apparently it has been burning for two weeks and it keeps growing. So that bit about my muddy shoes, well, I walked into town instead of turning around to go back to where the car was parked and I spent the time waiting for Bruce in the Murphy Visitor Center. The woman working there lives in Andrews where the smoke is heaviest and she showed me photographs on her phone of the view from her place showing the smoke and fire. Yesterday morning at pickleball we learned from folks who also live near it that the acreage burned was up to more than 3,000 with no end in sight unless the predicted Friday rain happens. Undoubtedly, there will be many prayers for that to occur. <p></p><p>We are meeting Curt and Nancy for lunch today, so I need to get cleaned up and make myself presentable. It's still a little early yet, but we plan on going in search of more color before our meet up time at noon. They will be returning to Arkansas for the winter, so it will be good to catch up in person before they do.</p><p>The view from my kitchen window with the rusty leaves just visible. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnBJ5GTgKoCf312zUy6rFB5U7eGiUb7DbmfNGvvDMGUoy7HwX94SS91M_vGfPefE4Exyp4AYYklXy7GV0SUFJ6AWogIxQgn-iD7rcWimnWlP8TFRNSqJpTcbLXJS2upAhoq4yS3zHqBaQCc_q3Q2_YnorqSHljQY-RqZCGvSTVy-CFyYGCJtdzW5ZXg_k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnBJ5GTgKoCf312zUy6rFB5U7eGiUb7DbmfNGvvDMGUoy7HwX94SS91M_vGfPefE4Exyp4AYYklXy7GV0SUFJ6AWogIxQgn-iD7rcWimnWlP8TFRNSqJpTcbLXJS2upAhoq4yS3zHqBaQCc_q3Q2_YnorqSHljQY-RqZCGvSTVy-CFyYGCJtdzW5ZXg_k" width="640" /></a></div>I cooked dinner for our neighbors following John's surgery and discovered that a few more serving dishes would be welcome in this kitchen. We went to a few thrift stores yesterday following pickleball and I found the cutest doodad that is now on the windowsill. Because I already had taken this, be prepared for more windowsill shots as I find goodies. And yes, I brought the plant in water from home in a plastic bag. Presumably I will welcome the bright green soon enough. π<p></p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail<br /> </p><p>p.s. What the heck, more leaves. And I called them brown!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgleR3oszrc3iHqI_OZGb_gSVgixBvurmBv1MDwDclnbb3zvwkjNDBFLEGh_mMyTNQOWxKyDUJit9niqTAHRzz7Ar7slYes7hJEM67sFS2qvi5o8F6CTYH91Wwn-BipJSEz_aWBUnu6ae4eXZZche01L7rkvhINzM9nkPSdC7CMJzWBvitZI-p5Frr38Fw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3234" data-original-width="4602" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgleR3oszrc3iHqI_OZGb_gSVgixBvurmBv1MDwDclnbb3zvwkjNDBFLEGh_mMyTNQOWxKyDUJit9niqTAHRzz7Ar7slYes7hJEM67sFS2qvi5o8F6CTYH91Wwn-BipJSEz_aWBUnu6ae4eXZZche01L7rkvhINzM9nkPSdC7CMJzWBvitZI-p5Frr38Fw=w640-h450" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-50204270617427264292023-11-04T16:24:00.005-04:002023-11-04T16:24:52.241-04:00The World Looks Different<p> Oh my oh my. This is a quick check-in to let everyone know that the heart issue is sorted out. Just as I suspected, and this was confirmed from the holter monitor reading, that for days on end I have no heart issues at all. Nonetheless, Dr. Koneru insists that is no reason not to take medication, and in fact, it is maybe even worse because you never know when it will happen. As many of you know, I have had incidents of AFib in the past, but it never hangs around which is why I am not thrilled with being put on medication for the remainder of my life, or until they decided on something new, I will soldier on. Especially because I have been gifted with even more samples to last until the new year! </p><p>With that good news in our pockets, we took off yesterday morning for Murphy after a quick stop off to say goodbye to my pickleball friends at Dover Shores whom I got to play with exactly one time! In a surprise move, Bruce decided to drive straight through to our destination. God bless him, he managed like a trooper with <u>no help</u> from this wife. Actually the route we chose this time was efficient and the traffic was very manageable so as the early end to the day was approaching, the miles kept ticking away. The last of it was so beautiful even though I am the only one who actually noticed the landscape because the driver of our vehicle kept his eyes glued to the road. (565 miles in the event you are wondering)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvX2xpNPO2J2Yf-FSO0mYV4ff-UZnIpAzxQ3SCr2sJXdo8VdlJcHA6MXGeu_I6_HPpg7x-IguVt2nRJIufkHYofEdGkP3xxLCbYskgzpLoBlIoA2iqLGlza0_7f6nnH-qzv_KY-9J-6iXpK1qrCLXUIyLb-dw1IWDFnMVZgpNsULlImn0GTaxbkuFq8-M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvX2xpNPO2J2Yf-FSO0mYV4ff-UZnIpAzxQ3SCr2sJXdo8VdlJcHA6MXGeu_I6_HPpg7x-IguVt2nRJIufkHYofEdGkP3xxLCbYskgzpLoBlIoA2iqLGlza0_7f6nnH-qzv_KY-9J-6iXpK1qrCLXUIyLb-dw1IWDFnMVZgpNsULlImn0GTaxbkuFq8-M=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Around 6:30 we pulled into the driveway and began setting up our things. In spite of the nearly 11 hour drive my husband does not generally let any grass grow under his feet and for the most part, neither does his wife.<p></p><p>As was expected, we missed most of the color although there are a few colorful leaves hanging on. It was very cold last night, as in under 30 but when it became light enough I just had to check things out.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUALmaF-vxMHhJg2u90G6jZN6oaYqcZxPEk46-AHx1-WtYBzbk5bxBThZUW2UXuk7_i8eGehPt3ncM4UFKZIJULSS0d_8YhpPcUrfMECWEkrj8Jfh8r3N6qfWVZMjA4bIrt_0RgSSotcEDLQ6XzQyf8okoIaRGJIW4xYUe0wJodQY_btoU6-7mB1a5m0Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUALmaF-vxMHhJg2u90G6jZN6oaYqcZxPEk46-AHx1-WtYBzbk5bxBThZUW2UXuk7_i8eGehPt3ncM4UFKZIJULSS0d_8YhpPcUrfMECWEkrj8Jfh8r3N6qfWVZMjA4bIrt_0RgSSotcEDLQ6XzQyf8okoIaRGJIW4xYUe0wJodQY_btoU6-7mB1a5m0Q" width="640" /></a></div>John's truck parked outside the garage had frost on it as did the porch railings. Yup, the leaves had a dusting as well.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPBttDADFE09s0chBDVazhq4IuWDhi5Nkqm0ZvasC0nYBqNegtKt3gDUoGWNvPwZXqf87nCr0FgZ6Z0DdA6EHRldzHy78diYtS2JP9Py8iRQtKjDMLsWDGbJfyePFo3LBcmTy4vhUp1JRnHSt_xCwmw7VkAyMcnvU4Eplou9dMOxzJqgGbg44YvJhY5VA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPBttDADFE09s0chBDVazhq4IuWDhi5Nkqm0ZvasC0nYBqNegtKt3gDUoGWNvPwZXqf87nCr0FgZ6Z0DdA6EHRldzHy78diYtS2JP9Py8iRQtKjDMLsWDGbJfyePFo3LBcmTy4vhUp1JRnHSt_xCwmw7VkAyMcnvU4Eplou9dMOxzJqgGbg44YvJhY5VA" width="640" /></a></div>We have spent the day organizing and getting groceries along with the food we stored over at our dear landlords who treat us so very well. We were touched as all get out when we looked out on the porch and found this.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJnsQy867k3BqsuCtR4WFZpJ4pd5lQ8YhcG2Hrt-lHARayVXD-pUy3-V5DdG1rvbwzdBiP38ICIvFATQWPSJf7gnKIb_3GG7EDlTGhyM0b3c7-UCv86myZypWoI73GWa4PukC-5l-2AuU94lwUhXFjZMRWQJgiNcW_byH2SL0xDxDUrEf6-yz_2BFyY_I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJnsQy867k3BqsuCtR4WFZpJ4pd5lQ8YhcG2Hrt-lHARayVXD-pUy3-V5DdG1rvbwzdBiP38ICIvFATQWPSJf7gnKIb_3GG7EDlTGhyM0b3c7-UCv86myZypWoI73GWa4PukC-5l-2AuU94lwUhXFjZMRWQJgiNcW_byH2SL0xDxDUrEf6-yz_2BFyY_I=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Not only that but there was a plate of cookies along with a bottle of wine and two glasses set out on the kitchen island.<p></p><p>How in the WORLD did we get so lucky? </p><p>Instead of focusing on the beautiful leaves we missed I am choosing to embrace all that this new world has to offer in the way of living. The world does look very different than anything else we have ever experienced and at our age, that is a very good thing. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijnfpVLvy9-J0gQHfhisQddzXU-UmC0nuSuOeTQIF18HLeNy2AWIklUC-mr_3mp_TMho-klHbgco3JxBAOsrkEJVgDVTPOnKsLg77MoFP2qTg4nPRPb9RqdnhC1k4RPvagV5GMbqunwpYpevLDdKr1Gt3DplPdYnZrDgd66jJloL0VppMcW748wluvsAw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijnfpVLvy9-J0gQHfhisQddzXU-UmC0nuSuOeTQIF18HLeNy2AWIklUC-mr_3mp_TMho-klHbgco3JxBAOsrkEJVgDVTPOnKsLg77MoFP2qTg4nPRPb9RqdnhC1k4RPvagV5GMbqunwpYpevLDdKr1Gt3DplPdYnZrDgd66jJloL0VppMcW748wluvsAw" width="640" /></a></div>That's all for now as I have a Florida State game to watch and get this: our neighbors are making us dinner along with a bonfire tonight. Seriously?<p></p><p>How did we get this lucky??</p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail</p><p>p.s. I do have way more to talk about so be on the lookout for a proper post soon.</p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418565904815652910.post-14237282191935795892023-10-29T17:53:00.003-04:002023-10-29T17:53:25.592-04:00The Hunter Moon and a Holter Monitor<p> How is that for a snappy title? It got your attention didn't it? </p><p>Let's get started shall we? </p><p>I will admit, I have missed seeing sunrises and sunsets with ease while in the mountains. I did see a pretty one when we visited John and Tammy's mountain top home for dinner one night and by golly, I believe I never shared that experience in this space and I should have because not only was their hospitality over the top, but their view was as well. (no pun intended!)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzqhdWdwPQamlh73CxHkCpgz2lPmN6NLIw7-VlKMxgRAy9CTkIExTwMxH3Vq7zwbaCacSLS-uw7KQHHG_7y-dqJcb-51lKfK4I84tEdTn8_oSFUOJH-3elsuB6u4zQeQxAuCeYnhpH1KU646Qan_w-jjdLTYeOB4uMNjNrhr-TYLod6ZgaRqo5VpAiL7c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2925" data-original-width="2388" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzqhdWdwPQamlh73CxHkCpgz2lPmN6NLIw7-VlKMxgRAy9CTkIExTwMxH3Vq7zwbaCacSLS-uw7KQHHG_7y-dqJcb-51lKfK4I84tEdTn8_oSFUOJH-3elsuB6u4zQeQxAuCeYnhpH1KU646Qan_w-jjdLTYeOB4uMNjNrhr-TYLod6ZgaRqo5VpAiL7c=w523-h640" width="523" /></a></div>Pretty beautiful isn't it? They are a super nice couple who are from, you guessed it, Florida! As were most everyone we met, most because we did meet a few folks who were born and raised in Murphy, however, they were few and far between. <p></p><p>Anyway, back to our view of the sun and the moon here in Orlando, there was a beautiful sunrise over Lake Willisara one morning last week. Oh how I love that lone pine tree!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBHBK1FqB5ERbW8YW82D8u06ONJLSuHeHu6wqC9R9jMVIDVIKsasPAGvELy5p7rtYKEWjmQRPGoj8NIZE9HvGgjFGhXldFMg_QQ3Iwa6Z1H4Eua57of16IMS66C4ucDlMYkMVDZ4d0W-im2B1Wj9Ai2TX68vzeX6O7D8y3Q3G5qh30X7b6vpSUFw-CDsA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBHBK1FqB5ERbW8YW82D8u06ONJLSuHeHu6wqC9R9jMVIDVIKsasPAGvELy5p7rtYKEWjmQRPGoj8NIZE9HvGgjFGhXldFMg_QQ3Iwa6Z1H4Eua57of16IMS66C4ucDlMYkMVDZ4d0W-im2B1Wj9Ai2TX68vzeX6O7D8y3Q3G5qh30X7b6vpSUFw-CDsA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Speaking of that pine tree, look who I found atop said tree. Presumably getting ready for some nest building for the upcoming season.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsd5Y1pA78SMriyc2lxT66nG1YuC8kAdzGKUpIlNFCeu7u7FIwhq0_m6GbcE3zzEfNY7mvFeU9-PYQutE9DscenOizs34pxr1VQ_BhQUz5RjmG_2-2KdJO2dy06aNy2tvxwscH-trtUyyvRsdggWico2WbwXI93ws2ej74STBGC-ur3qt_oakVoWXue7Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsd5Y1pA78SMriyc2lxT66nG1YuC8kAdzGKUpIlNFCeu7u7FIwhq0_m6GbcE3zzEfNY7mvFeU9-PYQutE9DscenOizs34pxr1VQ_BhQUz5RjmG_2-2KdJO2dy06aNy2tvxwscH-trtUyyvRsdggWico2WbwXI93ws2ej74STBGC-ur3qt_oakVoWXue7Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Watching the two Great Blue Heron hatchlings grow up this Spring was such a treat.<p></p><p>And then there was the Hunter Moon rising over the lake last evening just after 7:00. A sight to behold if you catch it just right, some months are better than others. This one was stellar!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg82bzScLE7mF0IG0_1Mt_gaYYOjDHYD3FxzC0wnMCkW5cdqVmEpgs342E7OgTxVVBxnVwl-Y8W6QUXSYenxe2piJWJKE3GHK2zjmTBl4Zh0F0ltjM0LZqEqPpnYzSbPTIZ5CPLfZ6QHljv4fKW6XZUw8Z2irjjgL520taeUEUN3mY1FgkXzCORzRq-0LA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg82bzScLE7mF0IG0_1Mt_gaYYOjDHYD3FxzC0wnMCkW5cdqVmEpgs342E7OgTxVVBxnVwl-Y8W6QUXSYenxe2piJWJKE3GHK2zjmTBl4Zh0F0ltjM0LZqEqPpnYzSbPTIZ5CPLfZ6QHljv4fKW6XZUw8Z2irjjgL520taeUEUN3mY1FgkXzCORzRq-0LA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>As night fell it took on an orangish glow that I captured with a zoom lens.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs4o3rjlMMfWfCOasjN5pyZtJqk2NKUUGEFggjN0ZEI42J43PdcFfOgOv6wnJKq0_nEIQo6AW54syDZoetFb_mKPwdZocy3nYVxr_6_19ALfO-FmKUDtPga9d5saHQHJK2fwqvZn3ZxfYGpp6HdFd_oidOWurOonJwN8YeVwqXlLsx5qzCXfeirjbcaV4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs4o3rjlMMfWfCOasjN5pyZtJqk2NKUUGEFggjN0ZEI42J43PdcFfOgOv6wnJKq0_nEIQo6AW54syDZoetFb_mKPwdZocy3nYVxr_6_19ALfO-FmKUDtPga9d5saHQHJK2fwqvZn3ZxfYGpp6HdFd_oidOWurOonJwN8YeVwqXlLsx5qzCXfeirjbcaV4=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>How about that, just what I needed to segue into what we did last Saturday where orange, my favorite color, was ever present. The opportunity presented itself so let's do it! Calling Shirley to invite her to join us, we drove over to a warehouse/restaurant space across from Lake Formosa, not far from where the old "Orlando Youth Center" was located, a blast from our past. As in, when we were teenagers! But I digress...<p></p><p>The owners of the Orlando Magic bought a Major League Pickleball team and named them the Orlando Squeeze. I suspect I've told you this before, so I won't belabor the information, but I will tell you that the Squeeze recently won the huge tournament held in Atlanta. The young Devos couple told us that they had three days to come up with a name and logo. They did good.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmgSbax-laPCHjA0eCKnegnFzHsNXuq_XeLWWkKh87O8t-A9iAfnJWq49FKkV7f2kX5hp_OpoIt1IDUqt7CRFdBLGWtVUjiE9vmuPisnPxjVnf9xM7QaLLFvzRpkcmwx-bjEpAS-qEUCFCliyJyASH3iIspj0pLC5_lGaXx51rXR9sUrtsSJ6-OvWRQmk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmgSbax-laPCHjA0eCKnegnFzHsNXuq_XeLWWkKh87O8t-A9iAfnJWq49FKkV7f2kX5hp_OpoIt1IDUqt7CRFdBLGWtVUjiE9vmuPisnPxjVnf9xM7QaLLFvzRpkcmwx-bjEpAS-qEUCFCliyJyASH3iIspj0pLC5_lGaXx51rXR9sUrtsSJ6-OvWRQmk=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>For the event, they brought in three out of the four team members with folks having the opportunity to hit with them, or in the case of Zane Navaratil, to try and return his wicked serve. Maybe three out of twenty were able to and that is why it was made illegal in a game! There were loads of young families which was nice to see and even they tried to hit with the pros. I was dying seeing this little boy and his Dad. What can I say, I've a soft spot for little boys!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-g-D8yqhE0ZAu2mhomu0p9OlL5NOecYWlAXV506B_FJQaiZQCNctGdZiLc_pFe86k5p9Wdcy1uQmoAS6eSOF3tHhvq17tgfPGJ5SqOgUXeeIMHAD3ife6JlHqpuzptdlOZRXOUabbFs8fqqGuzqiHab4Pa3S0WBylcA17H2xDmY5yNXC1LeZ22D-1xpw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-g-D8yqhE0ZAu2mhomu0p9OlL5NOecYWlAXV506B_FJQaiZQCNctGdZiLc_pFe86k5p9Wdcy1uQmoAS6eSOF3tHhvq17tgfPGJ5SqOgUXeeIMHAD3ife6JlHqpuzptdlOZRXOUabbFs8fqqGuzqiHab4Pa3S0WBylcA17H2xDmY5yNXC1LeZ22D-1xpw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>People lined the court for the opportunity to participate,<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl3nJ9Q7bd57pD17ud3tGx4_mUQAtOYx-157MEQNGc9Do2c-n5kxkMfIBZ2xMC73290RNoVKpb2VRxCeqjbOd6URrFxVPX2cL2zHDx5pPwyMmEk4ayC3m_8MfTW3eMhN7aVZuWWX8Narf5G0XA0B1KTEvJ68Qj6xwKWT-eb_kEVDcLX4T2uf9Zg5zlW2c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl3nJ9Q7bd57pD17ud3tGx4_mUQAtOYx-157MEQNGc9Do2c-n5kxkMfIBZ2xMC73290RNoVKpb2VRxCeqjbOd6URrFxVPX2cL2zHDx5pPwyMmEk4ayC3m_8MfTW3eMhN7aVZuWWX8Narf5G0XA0B1KTEvJ68Qj6xwKWT-eb_kEVDcLX4T2uf9Zg5zlW2c=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>and eventually your favorite bloggers own squeeze tried his hand at hitting a ball into the buckets.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUwafFB0JakbDhKuHpPEaMRtrZLCGveTdTRxxnjWKfUY6A-h0Y0iV9S3XtPsrPEbdnwbRORblBtCkQeMV_PovzyFl8D3WhnVKjUc9H6BskqNmKJUDrN4ugb5gWT971gSreT0A5HGGyanBml46QjSk_MrHCir5GNZMsF1zD2zin841tjimaxlrXDBTAd9Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUwafFB0JakbDhKuHpPEaMRtrZLCGveTdTRxxnjWKfUY6A-h0Y0iV9S3XtPsrPEbdnwbRORblBtCkQeMV_PovzyFl8D3WhnVKjUc9H6BskqNmKJUDrN4ugb5gWT971gSreT0A5HGGyanBml46QjSk_MrHCir5GNZMsF1zD2zin841tjimaxlrXDBTAd9Y=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>It was not meant to be, not only for Bruce, but most others as well. No pressure with all the folks watching? You think? It was a super fun time and we will be rooting for them as the next tournament is this upcoming weekend. Oh wait...there's FSU playing football. Not to mention we have discussed returning to North Carolina next weekend. Hmmm....<p></p><p>One weird thing happened as we were driving home and I will admit, after so many months away, it was very jarring. Traveling down Mills Avenue, all of a sudden a gang of bicyclists appeared in the northbound lanes, as in at least 200 which you cannot tell from the photo, but the three of us agreed it was at least that many in person.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyWhsUf1clNwzlBSH4LqJ61wbSWE300sDIjYmZAQGVhhgMTUODjD80jhkLaNngE5SWHro_Tbjfy6r4IARYDoO7-2_ozr-Uhg1keMUzlxMNMkfeXIB2vqXTLyRpjmfii-NPgLqnwP1pNKL5ZlRDOdQUTbLtlCFUg8vlwFFx-ffH3QeDAS40qBhd_28Chps" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyWhsUf1clNwzlBSH4LqJ61wbSWE300sDIjYmZAQGVhhgMTUODjD80jhkLaNngE5SWHro_Tbjfy6r4IARYDoO7-2_ozr-Uhg1keMUzlxMNMkfeXIB2vqXTLyRpjmfii-NPgLqnwP1pNKL5ZlRDOdQUTbLtlCFUg8vlwFFx-ffH3QeDAS40qBhd_28Chps=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Had they stayed in their lane it would have been less scary, but they were weaving in and out of traffic on our side of the road! We could find nothing online to explain what we witnessed and hopefully we won't come across something like this again any time soon!<p></p><p>Pumpkin patch!! Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church! Peel Avenue! Where we were married!!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtporKQfWY-iTwc9Vzhh3FdMt1VaFuhjCsxvsqIEDGrkESgVTNW_eEjX9fw0xawZ7_UBynQOH0foPEAL0zq650A2XKWZ9u7xtCvbwEIuyKZ3ltNYvYvGohQvkGcUhr4rq16Zjxlr0MrrPtioxaVk7Zi3or-CsEjdcm4TOdi_y4fuK6I2kgmIhcmDJxWwY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtporKQfWY-iTwc9Vzhh3FdMt1VaFuhjCsxvsqIEDGrkESgVTNW_eEjX9fw0xawZ7_UBynQOH0foPEAL0zq650A2XKWZ9u7xtCvbwEIuyKZ3ltNYvYvGohQvkGcUhr4rq16Zjxlr0MrrPtioxaVk7Zi3or-CsEjdcm4TOdi_y4fuK6I2kgmIhcmDJxWwY=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>I am mighty glad that destination weddings were not a thing when we were young because I do love seeing the church where we began our married life. Silly thing aren't I? Nostalgic, that's for sure!<p></p><p>Michelle is in the process of making their rental a home and with that in mind she asked me for some black and white flower photos that she could make into canvases to create some drama in the dining room. Although this shot came from Florida, you can imagine that I went back in my library to our time in Vancouver, the place where flowers are so abundant and large it is unreal. Then I spent some time admiring the beautiful Autumn foliage there. (this one did not make the cut)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhH5rQjSgydXviW5qNZEUy7NeSweG_nsbpaathm2_6No9cUdlyAXLfF4Gg2XVzxKEWCocBDhKyr0cX08nYZp8Hqr_smsVC1DvknP5HI3Lmv6d5t8PO2DkF1XHk8SqAWR9Kq2w1durmuDqvkOH52miApfuQcWaNme6MTz3qVBeBvjn0fh-3UBZUZ4SD-Hlo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhH5rQjSgydXviW5qNZEUy7NeSweG_nsbpaathm2_6No9cUdlyAXLfF4Gg2XVzxKEWCocBDhKyr0cX08nYZp8Hqr_smsVC1DvknP5HI3Lmv6d5t8PO2DkF1XHk8SqAWR9Kq2w1durmuDqvkOH52miApfuQcWaNme6MTz3qVBeBvjn0fh-3UBZUZ4SD-Hlo=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Pink, wow, this native grass is most definitely pretty in pink. I have seen a lot of it blooming in town.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhmMxygdL9Wyd-XJ6gNQG8XXDRRmJJ7D0LFDbsl7ZClMESIjFO9c2HEViqyFmOPegJ7_ClbPMepn32hL1vR63pgUErCWfAmdMynpx8YapkeMzww92c4qlFdy4PLcezuc1mj_9d9bV9NI3JAVHHN6zmeT2W2yrWFws5olfopn4NGOrMzphM8An1UEQ1gKk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhmMxygdL9Wyd-XJ6gNQG8XXDRRmJJ7D0LFDbsl7ZClMESIjFO9c2HEViqyFmOPegJ7_ClbPMepn32hL1vR63pgUErCWfAmdMynpx8YapkeMzww92c4qlFdy4PLcezuc1mj_9d9bV9NI3JAVHHN6zmeT2W2yrWFws5olfopn4NGOrMzphM8An1UEQ1gKk=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Blooming, does that seem like the right term for grasses? Maybe. I suspect Google could help me with that, but I am typing as fast as I can because it is nearly time to leave for church so should you be interested go for it!<p></p><p>Around the house, while watching Florida State yesterday afternoon, for once they seemed in no danger of losing leaving me free to divide my attention to some organizing beginning with my sewing box and ending with a small part of my fabric stash. Both were in disarray and now I will be able to find things once again.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh60bE2l5bR1YZtjX-e-F-v_KeA8w_qrSWXwNsN4iw7A8ofv4FyiLkAqNK_tdX86ARzSehTGzHJAL4YqOvNatVzTzlvxUK2UR3xIqg-xl0Dfj3SL935xIaZZnNpJt_DjEWMhH5f0-9Tl8gYrVoR6Njy9heTryqwNVV09uR82XFlS4ev183eSNGLWTnGtTg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh60bE2l5bR1YZtjX-e-F-v_KeA8w_qrSWXwNsN4iw7A8ofv4FyiLkAqNK_tdX86ARzSehTGzHJAL4YqOvNatVzTzlvxUK2UR3xIqg-xl0Dfj3SL935xIaZZnNpJt_DjEWMhH5f0-9Tl8gYrVoR6Njy9heTryqwNVV09uR82XFlS4ev183eSNGLWTnGtTg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>Bruce, using a sewing tool that was in orderly shape because the clips are contained in their own box, used a bunch of them to repair the handle on this one of a kind Coach bag he bought for me when our Mom was still alive! I remember that so well because she once sold handbags at the Belks store in Colonial Plaza and loved handbags. In other words a long time ago. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5KXE6tPPmOvORl492OJ8iL6P1mPqrcnrCQ7mBS4cEYEma7peZZ6wwR5NFrhzoq9tXdD_uSCjM7oMvVN_W3J1YYyGmPjdDRacKhts6Ayv6G2Y4GRl4DbK8vj1Pf6q4ZGKJQoMs_TA6ruJXY118L0swGb0TsoMyGAuooqF1c2xYUA28FPsuLb0ucFyoeoM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5KXE6tPPmOvORl492OJ8iL6P1mPqrcnrCQ7mBS4cEYEma7peZZ6wwR5NFrhzoq9tXdD_uSCjM7oMvVN_W3J1YYyGmPjdDRacKhts6Ayv6G2Y4GRl4DbK8vj1Pf6q4ZGKJQoMs_TA6ruJXY118L0swGb0TsoMyGAuooqF1c2xYUA28FPsuLb0ucFyoeoM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The lining, which seemed to be made of cork, had disintegrated allowing the handle to separate. It worked perfectly and looks brand new. Brand new. Isn't that a crazy term? As in how it came from the factory?<p></p><p>Another thing I wanted to share and it is not nearly as colorful as the photo above, (as an aside you might note Bruce wearing his Orlando Squeeze shirt), is this orzo salad made with radishes and chives. A light lemon dressing using a touch of mayonnaise to hold it together, this unique combination made for a very refreshing side dish. I cannot remember what else I served with it, but I'd never made it before either. After fifty years of making meals for us, it is rare that we have something out of the norm. I guess I am still not too old to learn new tricks!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfdBEJ-9NqxA08iTURsUQVMHyPiAoY06as27VkiFGssqhdXsOOjBiY6mNQm8iKcqL5417EAVFmowKJtQU1fKgigj5QjJFUDZAuq0sod8b8Z4dEQFWZ6E5dWDrnuyOQUADOTiherGFBO-mm5--mM4BKGTNJeS2QX7jqmpjATlqCQdYyBdUAuT5acrOGccY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfdBEJ-9NqxA08iTURsUQVMHyPiAoY06as27VkiFGssqhdXsOOjBiY6mNQm8iKcqL5417EAVFmowKJtQU1fKgigj5QjJFUDZAuq0sod8b8Z4dEQFWZ6E5dWDrnuyOQUADOTiherGFBO-mm5--mM4BKGTNJeS2QX7jqmpjATlqCQdYyBdUAuT5acrOGccY=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>My last post included lots of blooming flowers and I forgot to include this beauty found in the pots gracing the sidewalk leading up to the church steps.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3auwCc25JeWy3M76pKE59cFu1mtdofjVWXxF2ckYoBOPmH61lcMDbCoJZWlb1MU-MqL7hzgHWRhlFRT7eIPOrKOj7bomWTNrzd3y__U4kcRufAeENP1oMrOCbWgnNawsb5n3gBEHWU8EypOgAWapjfdDC7zpQGPg_ApuZvlThP1_e55Y3mwTC1u0Dbbs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3auwCc25JeWy3M76pKE59cFu1mtdofjVWXxF2ckYoBOPmH61lcMDbCoJZWlb1MU-MqL7hzgHWRhlFRT7eIPOrKOj7bomWTNrzd3y__U4kcRufAeENP1oMrOCbWgnNawsb5n3gBEHWU8EypOgAWapjfdDC7zpQGPg_ApuZvlThP1_e55Y3mwTC1u0Dbbs=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The color was off the charts, however this morning it was beginning to lose it's vibrancy. Years and years ago a version of this lily was one of the first photographs that I made into a print. When I began taking photographs in earnest, some 16 years ago, I knew very little about the natural world. I knew stuff about the arts like literature and music, however I spent very little time studying the world around me. Too busy with my nose in a book is the truth of the matter. Then, of course, there is the matter of raising four sons which did take a bit of time! ππOnce I began practicing, every flower became a wonder to me, the colors, the complexity of blooms, the insects they attracted, I loved it all. Still do for that matter. You might think I would have lost some of my zeal for discovering and noticing new things, but with so much time on my hands, I suspect the fervor is even more so. We sang a little song today at church about each little flower or tiny wing and I was right there...it is all so miraculous to me. I have always hoped that a tiny bit of my enthusiasm would make it's way into this space. <p></p><p>Boo hoo, we heard from Hank this morning that <u>the peak colo</u>r has already occurred. ( Not ideal, but hopefully some beautiful leaves will be remaining when we return) It is going to be mighty cold in Murphy next week to the tune of a predicted low of 23 one night!! All that sorting I did on Saturday produced the boots I purchased while we were in Vancouver. Hopefully they will be enough!</p><p>I was having lunch with Suzanne on Wednesday when Bruce called asking for my help on a rush job for the church. Actually we had just left Toojays, so the timing was right. Driving over to Winter Park takes about twenty minutes and once there, the two of us put these privacy screens together before a planned Friday wedding. Most definitely a two-person task. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhd5tTHQI2F3F9g0YjfAv1g2drX360AV0MHNuyyRtnA0PYdVMKnEz0xjxRPcQo_2Huvc9ZorMQvshbFdhM77k89C3vKx00a7Zy58_ZlVLAXpO891IsjX8cx1SgD4EhFsjKowo4V8og5n9F--wQdUbWS7x3MlAnoSRO_KFVZOHu_7kHbviY6cb5MoMkASeI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhd5tTHQI2F3F9g0YjfAv1g2drX360AV0MHNuyyRtnA0PYdVMKnEz0xjxRPcQo_2Huvc9ZorMQvshbFdhM77k89C3vKx00a7Zy58_ZlVLAXpO891IsjX8cx1SgD4EhFsjKowo4V8og5n9F--wQdUbWS7x3MlAnoSRO_KFVZOHu_7kHbviY6cb5MoMkASeI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>By the time we did the third one we had it down to an efficient system.<p></p><p>We have been super busy these couple of weeks between all sorts of activities. No pickleball for me, but I have found ways to keep myself occupied. The monitor was mailed out on Monday and arrived on Wednesday morning. The instructions were relatively easy, so I had it on in a few minutes.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTfFIrN7gzlJNIYRlfX8gednT-eJpvpPEmKltmZZbNl7SMfGEqFSNnoLe9QnXW0ZCsCQepa0VPiGDapBmaiKnm6pJZorumgPgGby_okbZck_DcdXntPPBD5BlOk22Y15HoY_qlKU_tzZSuqvLQlyX2vneCRXYRD4iX61hrwESw9lRnfW6kjP_tNepM7mo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTfFIrN7gzlJNIYRlfX8gednT-eJpvpPEmKltmZZbNl7SMfGEqFSNnoLe9QnXW0ZCsCQepa0VPiGDapBmaiKnm6pJZorumgPgGby_okbZck_DcdXntPPBD5BlOk22Y15HoY_qlKU_tzZSuqvLQlyX2vneCRXYRD4iX61hrwESw9lRnfW6kjP_tNepM7mo=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">Monitor attached I called the number to make sure it was activated. How weird is it to think that I put this on my chest and someone in Minnesota is paying attention to it? Weird in my opinion. Anyway the woman on the phone said I was meant to wear it for three days whereas my physician told me 48 hours. Okay, I will call the office and find out what has been prescribed. Leaving a message I assumed they would call later that day. Nope. I called again the next day and this time spoke with someone. Explaining my dilemma, she assured me my message would go to someone who for sure would respond. Except they did not. Because I saw the cardiologist at my doctor's office just down the street I drove over and explained my situation. 48 hours was only two hours away and what was I to do? Thank goodness for Dee, a Family Medical employee who went the extra mile to finally get someone on the phone who could answer my questions. One thing about all of these visits is that nothing that we do is free. In fact, most everything is wildly expensive and although we have insurance there is plenty that is not covered. Plus, unlike say when you go to purchase something and know exactly what you will be paying, medical costs are a complete mystery until you get the bill in the mail for what you owe. There is just so much that is wrong with the medical system. Perhaps I am much more aware because I worked in it before it became the monstrosity it is today? (sorry something went awry with the formatting)</span></div><p></p><p>When I heard a radio commercial for Eliquis, my stomach turned. If the company can afford to advertise their medicine, surely they could charge less for said medicine. Grr....</p><p>It is mailed back and after a bit of an ordeal to get the tape off my chest, I now await the results. I'm thinking very positive, so you should not worry one minute about me. </p><p>The nerve of the cardiology office to actually print on their paperwork that they are "a new era of cardiovascular care" and are "patient centered". What the hell does that even mean? You never return phone calls?</p><p>Rant over. </p><p>Look how cute the Orlando Squeeze mascot is!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc2AEi8RSMQWyWQ1lCyiczWcRo_LUtweOOWWqzarOBDT_fbr0ud-krUqbVxY8yjiUC4lGC0ivmxC2qNOP5NbltNZdt9UUJ5tBZbd-8A2phqVVSLxG3gH8CLhONTx9qJE2xx1DzUq4CZnd0DiZ79odgUkgjqUmuuQT9ERZaR1eu5llhnMO8rGOJC1awVRc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3346" data-original-width="4397" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc2AEi8RSMQWyWQ1lCyiczWcRo_LUtweOOWWqzarOBDT_fbr0ud-krUqbVxY8yjiUC4lGC0ivmxC2qNOP5NbltNZdt9UUJ5tBZbd-8A2phqVVSLxG3gH8CLhONTx9qJE2xx1DzUq4CZnd0DiZ79odgUkgjqUmuuQT9ERZaR1eu5llhnMO8rGOJC1awVRc=w640-h488" width="640" /></a></div>As soon as I have more to report I promise to do so. <p></p><p>your friend,</p><p>Gail<br /><br />p.s. The weather has been dry and warm with the end of hurricane season two days away. Plus, Florida State football is 8-0, a welcome change from two years ago! The sky is the limit!</p>Gail Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504629640258426358noreply@blogger.com0