Staying Active

This morning I am skipping pickleball because frankly I am tired. Actually, not so tired this morning, but walking home from my stint last night as the official VBS photographer, I was dragging. Now how strenuous could it be taking photographs, Gail? More than you might  think! Basically, I have been following the groups around and taking action shots which is super fun, but involves steps everywhere I go. Let me tell you, this is not your Mother's vacation bible school. 

Because we start at 5:30, the first order of business is dinner, served on opening night by Cobby, Diane, and a few other volunteers.

Other groups or families sponsor the remaining four nights. The kids are having a ball, singing, doing neat science projects, hearing stories, and recreation. It is good, but I can't say as I won't be too sad when Thursday night rolls around. 

So that is what I have been doing this week.

Last week there was a bit more variety including some walks along the river which has overflowed it's banks several times now due to a very wet beginning to, well, what would you call it? Anyway, since Summer has not arrived, and Spring is still with us, I am going to just say that it has been raining a LOT.

The Canadian Geese families have been very, very busy. The last day that I walked there must have been 50 or more geese, more than I have seen to date.

Goslings galore!

The crystal clear water has now taken on a muddy look depending on lighting.  Not as evident as on an overcast day, as seen below.  Yup, some tree trunks are underwater!

And with lots of rain and some heat, out come the mushrooms!!

I had so much fun looking for them when we were at the cottage, but these days I am contenting myself with the park where I found these unusual mushrooms that were in the dozens on the ground.

Should anyone have any intel, please share.

On that same day, I came across a cardinal; seeing them in the wild always makes me happy. 

While on the topic of Canada, the smoke from wildfires there has made it's way here. Apparently it is in the upper atmosphere, meaning we cannot smell it, but recognize it by the haze it creates.

Last week we attended an annual fundraiser for Cherokee County, held at the neat building called The Hackney. The oakleaf hydrangea in the courtyard were so pretty.

In a small town you are going to run into the same folks a bunch, some you already know, and some you just haven't had the opportunity to meet yet! The Senior Games concludes each year with a dinner and awards as well as a keynote speaker. This year we had not personally met the speaker yet, 

but on the following Thursday night she sat across from us at The Hackney and we had a good conversation.

Laura is on the far right, ready for the ribbon cutting for this new initiative. 

Sadly, aftereffects of Hurricane Helene are still being felt in Western North Carolina and tourism is down as a result.

Another afternoon/evening we spent time in Jenn's new place that she is calling Mountain Valley Lodge. Jenn is the owner along with her husband Rick, of the wine shop we frequent. On our way home from Florida she contacted me, asking if I would take some photographs for her Facebook page, and so after a few delays, it finally happened. Although they will be selling wine, the focus is more on cocktails and coziness.

Roaming around the space I did what I could to showcase their efforts.

Lots of seating areas, a neat looking jukebox,

piano, and all around cool vibe.

We expect the space to change over time as they discover what they, and their customers like. Cheers to Rick and Jenn for believing in Murphy by opening a second business!

Last Saturday we were invited, along with the rest of our Sunday School class, to Paul and Gerri's home overlooking Natahala Lake, for a surprise birthday party for Gerri. Knowing that the drive was, what shall I say, out of the ordinary because crossing a creek is only one part of the difficulty in getting there, we coaxed David into driving.  Linda, Bruce and I sat in the back seat of his big pickup truck with Randy claiming the passenger seat. So far so good. Winding roads, creek crossed, we arrived at their absolutely beautiful home. The view!!

For us town folks, being so far out of town would be very difficult, however, seeing the beauty makes you wonder.

Paul was saying wonderful things about his lovely wife.

The catered food was yummy as well as very attractive, and the cake delicious.

Guests flew in from far away places with friends and both daughters in attendance.

This terrific space overlooks the lake.

It was a lovely time, made even more special because Gerri took us on what she calls her "fairy trail" in their woods. She cleared it, put all the cutie things out, and signs as well, an homage to family.

Here is one such cutie that they made.

And here are more.

Holding mushrooms before placing them in the forest.

Once again I showed off my inexperience on a trail, but between D'Anna, Gerri, and trees I managed to somewhat enjoy it! Note the sandals above and the folks wearing them were speeding through it with nary a stumble! Once Gerri heard thunder, we scurried back to the house, gathered our belongings, and high-tailed it to David's truck. We barely made it before rain began in earnest, and let me tell you, how David managed to drive that mountain road in such a fierce storm is beyond me. Sitting in the middle of the back seat, I pulled out my camera and Linda asked, "what are you photographing?" 

This: 

So the rain was bad, but the downed trees across the road was maybe worse? Power lines too! Keep in mind this is a two lane winding road with limited access.  When we came to a massive tree blocking our path, unlike those he was able to get around, it was a moment of "now what?" Oh, did I mention there was no cell service either?  "Now what" turned out to be a guardian angel, undoubtedly a local, who when he came up behind us, told David to follow him and so we did, miraculously making it over to the highway and safely home. 

Always adventures! 

Well I have managed to take up all morning with this and Bruce has already returned from pb so lunch time it is. Following lunch, my potting bench is calling! The yard is looking good, but some of the potted flowers are weary so in need of replacing. Bees are. loving the verbena.

There are absolutely no words for my gorgeous hydrangeas.

Giant balls of beauty is how I am choosing to describe them!

Active, yup, that's our middle name.

your friend,

Gail