People and Places

 My goodness am I lucky to be writing this post? Emphatically that would be a yes! Last year at this time I was gravely ill, and if not for the help of Patti, Bruce and Dr. Parillo, my life might have ended that horrible day last July. Who would have thought when I wrote this post about the experience, that a year later I would be sitting at a little desk in a room with red curtains and big windows at the top of a small hill in Murphy, NC? What an excellent turn of events!

As is so often the case, when I mention to a new acquaintance that I have been blogging for a long time, which, btw, I don't lead with that information as I am far from a self-promoter, the questions come regarding my subject matter. That is a tricky question, but generally I answer that it has changed over the years and I pretty much write about what happens to the Pecks. Adding to that, I want to thank you for caring enough to visit Camera Crazy time and time again. 

So, let us get started with a new installment. It has quit raining. Not entirely, but not like it was. And yes, it is hot here, as is the rest of the country. The saving grace is that with lower humidity activities are tolerable. We are staying busy and keeping up with everything is proving difficult so in an attempt to cover a lot of ground I am going to show folks we have encountered in our travels, either here or out and about. 

Let's go!

During our visit to Curt and Nancy's cool mountaintop home last week we played pickleball above the clouds!

Their friends Willie and Bill from Arkansas were there for a visit and we played some fun games.

While on the subject of pickleball, here is Harry and Braedon, the oldest and youngest players at the Murphy courts.

Bruce was a little nervous, but held his own playing alongside Katrin, the best female player, humble and  such a pleasure to watch.

 In the recurring theme of living in a small town where everyone is connected, last Sunday following the service, noticing two women setting up to practice music, we asked about listening. Sure they replied. Well my goodness, were we glad that we did because they were so talented, playing multiple intruments each.

When I mentioned that we were pickleball players, Amanda (with the recorder) told us that her husband played as well. Racking my brain I was coming up short, however, Bruce was not coming up short, reminding me that we had seen him at Burger Boy, a delicious and inexpensive local restaurant that serves, you guessed it--burgers! Indeed. They were practicing to perform at the folk school in about a week which brings me to a few people with connection to said school.

A couple of Saturdays ago we drove to Hayesville, a nice little town on the other side of the folk school in Brasstown. One of the longest lasting classes at the folk school is woodcarving. Some people may find this link about the Brasstown Carvers of interest, if you like history that is. And while this lovely lady has not been at it since 1929, she does have a lifetime of experience. 

Unfortunately the gentleman in blue is blocking the other carver who is of a similar age. Our neighbor John was exhibiting his lawn furniture that he builds below us in one of the most pristine shops you will ever see. He and Laura donate all of the profits to local charities with last years donation a tidy sum. 

By now it will not surprise you to learn that we ran into several folks that we know. The festival had about 80 exhibiters, held in the town square. Performing cloggers!!

You guessed it, from the folk school. An audience participation round.

This young lady had the best view in town.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch in a stylish little place called Living Waters where I ordered my first Aperol Spritz, which was a winner for sure. 

Hayesville is about 18 miles from Murphy with amazing pickleball courts that we tried out with John, pictured way above in the blue shirt across from Bruce, and his wife Tammy. I was foolish enough to suggest we play against a 12 year old boy, and I think his grandmother who was younger than we are. I am pretty sure they put about nine points up before we finally began making points of our own. In the end, he was just too fast for us, but they only won by two. It was fun there and the views are incredible.

One weekend we visited Mary at her rental home near Fontana Lake where we were thrilled to meet her daughter who lives in Memphis. 

On our way to visit her, we drove through the Nantahala Gorge where many of you have gone whitewater rafting. Ages ago, I know that we did!

Another water related activity we visited was a place called Fire Creek where families were enjoying the cool, probably cold to a Floridian, mountain water.

Back in town let's attend the monthly art stroll, shall we?

Regarding downtown, it must be noted that they do a fantastic job with their generous flower displays. Just when I think they cannot get any better, they just keep growing.

Here is the inside of a terrific barbecue place that serves ample portions of some Southern favorites.

There is a lively brewery behind the restaurant where you can take your food should you choose to do so.

A few weeks ago I finally got my haircut by Tammy in a tiny little shop off the "four lane". Laura recommended her and so I took the plunge. To say that she was reasonable is an understatement.

While on the subject of reasonable, have I mentioned the Henn Theatre? 

$5.50 admission any show. We saw the new Indiana Jones film there and although the seats were very comfortable, the movie was absolutely dreadful. But I have told you my thoughts on that already, haven't I?

Brucer got out on the Valley River the other morning using the provided kayak here at Charlotte's Cottage.

If you can imagine, and I suspect that you can, it seems as if I have gone on long enough, so for now I will skip the local contest at the farmer's market and the little tomato fest.  That said, it is too good to skip, so look for it next time.

No, what I wanted to close with is something that Bruce and I talked about this morning while strolling on the River Walk. Basically, our impressions so far of living in a very, very small place. For the most part it is fantastic because there is almost no traffic, folks are really nice, and it is peaceful and quiet. There are a few things we are adjusting to though, such as there is basically only one park, one this, or one that. It is just a matter of getting used to different things and what's the harm in that? Nothing, in my book.

I believe I told you already that we are attending the tiny Episcopal church, where tomorrow night we will be playing bingo, if you please. There are mostly old folks, say 95% to be perfectly honest, but there is one family with two boys who seem to be so sweet. They are helping their dad ring the church bell at the close of service. Youth, that is really what this town lacks. 

They mostly move away as they get older or so we have been told. Perhaps these boys will be different? Time will tell as it always does.

your friend,

Gail

Scenes from a Stroll

Before I get into what I have seen on my strolls along the river, which, let's be honest, that is the proper term for what I do, there are a few fun things to bring to your attention, beginning with my awesome little bird call whistle that I found at a darling local spot called, Rare Bird. You blow into it and lovely little sounds are your reward.

They do coffee and bagels, tiny donuts which our pickleball friend Braedon makes before coming to play, along with all manner of adorable merchandise. Some of it useful. Here's a funny story about that place. Imagining that I could find a really special birthday card there for Matthew, who turned 47 (!) btw, I found what I thought was a card. Except that it wasn't! Haha. Opening the package, I discovered that it was a print instead. Oh well, back to the cards that I brought with me! Fortunately, I was able to fit it into the envelope although it took forever to reach London! While we are on the subject of mail, we have had none if you do not count the Father's Day card from Jonathan. Have I already mentioned this? Did I tell you about our visit to the Murphy post office? The super friendly staff assured me that our forwarding request had gone through. Now, while we don't get a lot of mail, we do get some. At home we know our mailman, as does everyone because he is so friendly, thus, I asked David to inquire about what was possibly going on. Mike was quick to say he would look into it and I am finally feeling confident that the mail will one day arrive! The mail carrier here is a very friendly woman as well. 

Check these out!!!

Rummaging through the stuff at an Andrews thrift store this set was just too cool to pass up. Aren't they just so fun? For $10 I bought a neat piece of history which I learned about in this article from a long time ago. How long ago? Well you could click on the link and discover something new and interesting but should that not be in the cards, the answer is the year we were married....1973!! I used them when I made macaroni and cheese for us. I was thinking of making that dish when Hank came over for dinner, however, I went with mashed potatoes instead. He and Bruce doing the grilling thing. So good having a grill again!

Thinking about cool chinaware, while visiting with Karen and Jim there are so many cool collections to peruse including this very small selection of her larger collection of tea pots. 

I am in full agreement with that sign!

Here is an update you all have been waiting for---the hummingbirds like it!! 

Alrighty then, let's go for a stroll along the lovely Murphy River Walk, shall we? As I return to the parking area, this scene makes me happy. Because I have no experience with lilies, I have no idea how much longer they will be around. They are featured a lot around town, but it seems to me as if their number is diminishing as summer is here.

Not only am I on the paved portion but I am dodging Canadian Goose poop, something I was familiar with from our time in Vancouver!

Other parts are different surfaces including this wooden boardwalk,

along abandoned railroad tracks,

gravel,

and more gravel.

A long section that I have only just begun exploring has dirt underfoot.

Every once in a while a seat is provided.

Green, green and even more green! What will all of this look like in fall, or winter, for that matter? 

Every now and again another color presents itself and in this instance some berries which may or may not be edible. I have seen some that are larger and look like blackberries so maybe that is what they are?

Because I meander I notice a lot of things, mostly that are unfamiliar to me. For example, I've never seen a button bush before.

I've already forgotten what these tiny beetles are called, but I assure you they are only about the size of your thumbnail.

When you think about it though, why do I even need to know what all this unfamiliar flora, fauna and bugs are? With my memory, it serves little purpose because no sooner have I looked it up, then I forget what I just "learned"! That said, it normally doesn't stop me from checking. :)

A little cutie on this tree, adjacent to the park war memorial as you can see the flags in the background.

Allegedly that is a Song Sparrow. So, how many of you are using that cool feature on your iPhones? You take a picture, say of a bird, and a little icon appears over top signaling that if you click on the little starred i underneath, it will lead you to knowledge of what you are seeing. Pretty darn cool, right? It is also probably a tracking device, but what isn't these days? 

For now the dragonfly will remain a mystery unless of course, you want to take a picture of my picture and find out for yourself.

Continuing our stroll this very large plant comes into the frame.

I was imagining that these were cones of some sort, but upon closer inspection, well, take a look for yourself. Lots to learn about Sumac which you can do so here. 

After looking into it on my computer it seems like I will be keeping my eye on this plant because those little berry looking things may just turn fuzzy. I will keep you posted.

On this part of the walk it was very damp the day I was there. Damp=bugs. 

I hustled my way through that and by golly I came out one of the entrances, and landed here. Yes, a neighborhood with a house highly anticipating the 4th of July.

Another wet day I found myself here. 

What so puzzles me is, "what happens next?" Do the plants get larger? Do all of the little flowers disappear?

In our first two weeks or so there were lilies blooming everywhere around town including these on the hillside adjacent to part of the walk.

Do the Canadian Geese stay here all year long?

Sadly, according to this from North Carolina Extension Gardener, the Persian Silk tree is now considered invasive.

Yet another example of what once seemed like a good idea and turns out later to not be so. Happens a lot doesn't it? The same goes for Kudzu, the scourge of the South is what I call that invasive plant. Here is one writer who called it the plant that ate the South. No kidding as we have seen it everywhere, particularly in our drive across Alabama and Kentucky when we were returning from Vancouver. Sadly it is here as well and the other day it was a double whammy with one invasive plant taking over another.

Yikes!! 

Aside from the one above all photos have been taken on my strolls, one of the best things about Murphy is this river walk. It took some smart and dedicated folks to make it happen for whom I am grateful. I feel as if we are living in a mystery novel and barely following the plot. What will we see next??

your friend,

Gail

A River Runs Through It

The Hiwassee River and the Valley River merge here in town, along the banks of which I walk when I mention the river walk. If you are of a certain age, you might be somewhat familiar with the Tennessee Valley Authority and how they changed the lives of the people of Appalachia. Most of the time for the better because they controlled flooding and brought power to one of the nation's poorest regions. On the other hand, those folks whose towns were buried under water might have felt differently. In any case, there are many dams in the region and to date we have visited three of them. Mostly on the days when we wake up and it is raining, making pickleball out of the question. So far they have been 25 miles or less from our cozy home away from home. There are so few cars on the road that traveling, unless it is super steep or crazy winding is pretty darn nice. At least it is from where I sit in the passenger seat!

I suppose that I've told you very little about Murphy, perhaps because I know so little? I still don't know a whole lot, but we have begun picking up the weekly newspaper that serves both Murphy and Andrews, well actually all of Cherokee County, including news from those two towns along with some smaller villages. Get this---they include the arrest report! Mostly drugs or domestic violence, both of which are regrettable. The latest census shows that Murphy is smaller than most high schools in Orlando, well maybe even smaller than some middle schools. Closing in on, ready? 1,700 people! Certainly that does not count the "summer people" of which there are plenty of those. Mostly from Florida from the looks of the license plates in the WalMart parking lot which we frequent, well frequently because we are still stocking up with staples. We have been blessed to have supplies here, but every once in a while we discover something that is a wee bit out of date. I went looking for bay leaves in the spice cupboard and pulled this one down. How long do you think it has been since a jar of McCormick spice was 39 cents??

I received permission to throw it out! After a little sleuthing, I came across this article that at least gave me a ballpark figure. Should you be curious, well, you know what to do!

The first damn we visited was the Nottely Dam. In the picture we are approaching and will soon be crossing said dam located in Blairsville, GA, not far from the North Carolina border.

Look at how dreary the weather is!!! As I am no expert on dams, Bruce has done his best to explain the concept. Maybe, just maybe, by the time we leave I will get it, but for now, I am still learning. This is maybe what you would call the underside of where we were driving?

After parking, we walked alongside the river which included a tiny waterfall.

Should you be a fan of the color green you are in the right place today because there will be plenty of shades of your favorite color. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that, when it rains a lot in the summer, it is going to be GREEN. 

And when you are in Western North Carolina there is going to be steam on the water, as well as plenty of rocks.

Would you look at that? More green.

One purchase we made before leaving was our hiking shoes, both pairs made by Merrill. They have proved to be Invaluable on the  muddy trails.

I am puzzling about the soil which contains lots of clay, that sticks to your shoes btw. Anyway, I wonder how far is clay present from Georgia? Isn't that the state that you most associate with clay soil?

The above is a nearby trail that we hiked in the drizzle. One thing that is especially interesting to me is the prevalence of mushrooms to be found on so many damp, fallen trees. My photo library now has a compilation of all of the mushrooms I've seen and I will add to it as more present themselves.

This is usually how it goes...Bruce way out in front as I am a slow poke, in part because I walk slowly and in part because I dawdle, taking photographs of everything I see that interests me, a description that will surprise no one. 

Wait...no Bruce! Let's go back to my library and find him. Stands out because he is in blue, right? Something else that has been invaluable are the walking sticks. Oh my yes! This was a pretty steep incline that would have been impossible for me without one.

So frilly and green!

Aren't they cute?  So that is one dam trip, but there are more to come!

Tomorrow marks four weeks since we've been here and so far the blogs are running way behind. Here's a little rundown in list fashion which I plan on returning to as time permits.

Since we have been here we have:

• Seen fireflies, although it doesn't get dark here till so late.
• I've read a signed copy of a novel that I found on the bookshelf here by Ron Rash, one of my favorites who hails from these parts. Perhaps you remember the novel, and later the film, named Serena? That is him. 
• Had a scorpion in the bathroom sink!! Thankfully found by the man of the house and captured. 
• Loving the sound of rain on a tin roof.
• Been to a downtown art walk, an art festival and a movie at the tiny theater downtown. The movie, the latest Indiana Jones movie which I absolutely hated, cost for admission was $5.50! In the evening no less.
• Made friends with the owners of a new wine bar.
• Continue running into someone we have met just about everywhere we go.
• Seen people whitewater rafting.
• Gone to an art gallery
• Seen two fawns!! Second one pictured below.
• 
  Hiked almost to the top of a waterfall. Almost being the operative word.
• Played pickleball far less than we imagined, but we are meeting folks, so that's good.
• Began attending the tiny, and I mean tiny, Episcopal church with windows made by the Tiffany company and built with wood from the congregants land. Everyone is old, including the priest!

Before you correct me on that, after seeing the very young organist, she is leaving in two weeks time! 

So there's a recap for now. I have loads of photos to share but for now my list will have to suffice lest I forget what we have been up to. 

Lastly, I took the photo below of the river running through Murphy and when I mentioned the location to John, formerly our landlord (still is really!) who now wants us to call him our neighbor, told me that this is called Lover's Leap according to Cherokee Indian legend. Think Romeo and Juliet and you probably can put two and two together. We have yet to visit the museum downtown that explains in more detail the history of the Cherokee Indians in this area, mostly that, as far as I currently know, were interred here before moving on to the Trail of Tears towards Oklahoma. But don't quote me on that just yet. 

Gosh it looks pretty doesn't it? Oh yea, it's been plenty hot but not nearly as hot as Florida!!

your friend,

Gail