Stew, Texas, and Thanksgiving

Beautiful Stew

In early November, my sister and her husband joined us in what has become a fall tradition to make Brunswick Stew.  Together we made 40 quarts of the beautiful stuff.  Judy froze hers.  I canned mine.  Aren't they pretty?  I think the dog enjoyed it too!

Chester Licks the Pot

Gracen and A

I went to Texas to visit Adam and his family for 8 days.  JR came down on Thursday and we both came home on Saturday.  It was so much fun being with this sweet little family, and I enjoyed the time I got to spend with the girls, Gracen and Avery.  I got to spend a whole day with them while they were out of school and their Mom had to work.  I got to see their school and was able to meet there teachers, both of whom seemed very nice.  I'll have to tell a funny story about the day I first went to Avery's classroom.  There was another little girl coming in about the same time.  I smiled at her and she asked, "Are you the grandmother?"  I answered, "Yes, how did you know?  Is it my white hair?"  She looked at me and without batting an eye, replied, "Well, yes, but you look kind of old and you're a little fat."  I laughed out loud...out of the mouths of babes, for sure!  I assuaged my hurt feelings by visiting a "boutique" Goodwill store right after I left the school.  Never heard of a "boutique" Goodwill store?  Me either.  Can't say it had much in it, but I did buy a plate for $8 (which nearly poked Jim to death as he carried it through two airports in his carry-on).

Chicken Resort #2

Adam and Shanna have chickens.  While I was there, one of them got an eye injury.  In her weakened condition, the other chickens picked on her, pecking at her and weakening her further.  The eye got infected and we were all on a death watch.  But, she didn't die.  Shanna finally decided to make heroic efforts at saving her and the last I heard, she was still alive.  Her eye was draining badly and she didn't smell too good.  We thought a predator might get her, but instead an owl got another chicken.  Chickens are such nasty creatures with little to recommend them except eggs.  I briefly entertained the idea of having some, but after a trip to Texas and to my sister's chicken yard, I decided they would do better with somebody else!  Chicken poop all over the place just doesn't do it for me.  I did learn that there is such a thing as a chicken resort!  I posted sometime this summer about one I had found in Georgia, complete with little umbrellas.  Adam and Shanna have a big umbrella in their chicken resort!

Patti, Katelyn, Jonathan, Jim, Lynn, Jon, Lauren

PapaJim's Birthday Cake

We went to Charlotte for Thanksgiving with Jon and Patti and Patti's family.  Since we moved to the mountains it is hard for people to get up here.  It's a long way, so a trip can't be for just a few hours.  So, in the way that most traditions change, we head to Charlotte with a car load of food and join a whole big Irish-Catholic family at Thanksgiving.  Patti's family is wonderful and we always have a good time.  This year was no exception.  The dads started a fire in a little fire pit that Tom and Gina have, so the kids roasted marshmellows, and generally scared all the mothers while waving sticks that were on fire around.  It was also Jim's birthday Thanksgiving day, so Jon got an ice cream cake and we celebrated his 66 years!
My, how time flies!  Wonder how my husband got so old?

Kids and Fire 

I am working on having Thanksgiving at my house next year.  I have figured out how to sleep 15 of the 17 people.  (Luckily I have a rather large house.)  Gina and Tom have said they will stay in a hotel.  Gina says it's because she snores so loud, but I'll bet it's because there will be 9 children here!  Hope that plan works.  The mountains offer a whole new set of activities that aren't available in Charlotte.  Should be fun!

I got all my decorating done for Christmas.  I have 5 trees up, along with the usual other decorations.  The whole time I had to fight Scrooge (as I call JR during the holidays) since he resists helping me put anything up.  I always start with the things I can do by myself, but there comes a time when I have to have his help.  He always fusses, but always does it, and I think he always likes the finished product.  I guess we'll age out of this at some point, but the festive look always makes me smile.   I enjoy the season...even with Scrooge!  I won't bore you with all my trees, but here is a picture of the big one that is in the great room.  I'm such a pitiful photographer, plus I have been unable to find a suitable tree topper for my tree.  I have thought about it for 3 years, but everytime I go somewhere where I could possibly find one, I forget.  What's that?  YOU never forget?

Merry Christmas!!!  Love to all!!!

A Great Weekend; and Sandy Fall-Out

Whitewater Falls

Jim and LT

What a great weekend!  Our good friend, LT, came for a visit a couple weekends ago.  Not only is he a great friend, but he is also great company!  Even though he is "of a certain age" (unlike the rest of us), he is ebullient, energetic, and full of humor!  We haven't seen him in awhile, so this was a treat!  While he was here we decided to go to Whitewater Falls, which he had never seen.  If you are unfamiliar with Whitewater Falls, it is one of the most dramatic waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Escarpment.  The escarpment is a craggy, rain-drenched land that marks the fast-falling southern edge of the Applachian Mountain Range.  This fast-falling edge sets the stage for the many creeks and streams that are part of the ecosphere of this region to collect into large torrents of water that then cascade over the wilderness bluffs to the Piedmont below.  It is not unusual to find falls in out-of-the-way places, but the most dramatic are tourist attractions.  Such is Whitewater.  Now there is a paved parking lot, and an asphalt path that takes one to the observation area of the falls.  You can also descend 151 steps to a lower observation area, but you do have to walk back up!  You cannot get to the bottom of the falls, though you can take a rather primitive trail to the Horsepasture River below.  When we were in college up here, the path to observe the falls was a somewhat rigorous trek through the woods.  Separate foot trails would take you to a place to observe the pure majesty of the plunge of water or to the top of the falls where the glory of the Horsepasture was on full display.  After LT took the steps he caught up with Jim and me as we navigated what is left of the old path.  We couldn't get to the old observation area, nor could we get to the top of the falls without taking what we deemed to be unacceptable risk, so we wound up above the falls on the Horsepasture...a thrilling sight as the rushing water made its inexorable way to the cliff that was just around the bend.  While there, we did notice a young man and his dog sunning themselves across the river.  We still don't know how they got over there, but apparently they got wet...notice the young fellow in his tighty whities!  It was a wonderful outing, and I keep wondering why we don't do more of it.

Horsepasture River Above Whitewater Falls

Sunning in the Tighty Whities 

The fall has been very pretty this year, not quite as vibrant as usual, but still nothing to sneeze at.  The beauty of this place never ceases to bring joy to my heart.  Many people could not live in a remote area such as this, but we count ourselves among the blessed every day to be two of those who can.

Fall Colors

And last, but not least, we have had our first snowfall of the season.  We were on the fringes of the effects of Hurricane Sandy.  Unlike those in the northeast, our involvement was mild, with only some high winds and some snow and cold.  I estimate that we got about an inch of snow.  My hope is that the early season snow does not portend a harsh winter.  Still, it was pretty while it was falling, and there is always a certain peacefulness that a snowfall brings.

First Snowfall

Happy Halloween!  Love to all!

Free Stuff and Visitors

You would think that after being alive after 66 years, and not being completely stupid, I would have a little thoughtful intelligence about inviting unwanted spam into my inbox.  But no...I just couldn't leave well enough alone!  My sweet daughter-in-law, Shanna, posted a link on Facebook inviting "only her friends" to register for a $500 Costco gift card.  What could go wrong?  Well, let me count the ways.  After navigating a plethora of screens (during which I never did get to the screen enabling me to register for the card), I gave up in frustration.  I should have realized then that this was nothing more than a marketing ploy, but apparently my unrealized greed overshadowed my good sense.  Today alone, I have (it is 10:00 a.m.) received 500 marketing e-mails.  Interesting, though.  I can train to become a paralegal or a nurse; charter a jet plane or take a cruise; buy a hybrid car (that was on a jobs site); or publish a book.  I have also received multiple e-mails for the same service or product.  Luckily, most of these have shown up in my spam folder, but I have painstakingly gone through each and unsubscribed. I could be at this for the rest of the day.  Take my word for it, DON'T try to get a $500 Costco gift card!  It will cost more than $500 in wasted time!

It has been a busy summer with friends and family.  The mountains are such a wonderful place to vacation and entertain and this summer has been no different.  Between now and the last posting, my sister has come, along with my friend Wilma and her sister, Linda.  Also, we had the Big Chill, and my cousin, Anne (whom I have not seen in many years), came with her daughter Tracy.  I always love these visits and I think of them often when the long winter days weigh heavy.

Sister Mary, the FireBug

Linda and Wilma

Tracy and Anne

The Big Chill, a gathering of our college friends, was small this year.  Kenny and Jane were unable to attend (this is the first one they have missed) because of some family plans; Keith and Carol (whom we invite every year, but who have not actually ever attended) are expecting their first grandbaby.  We forgave them this time.  But Marti and Dave were here, as well as Bob.  Claudia's mother was ill so she did not accompany him.  I suppose all those things are to be expected when we get older. Nevertheless, a good time was had by all and we look forward to this gathering every year.  Our friends, Chris and Curt also came as they do every year to help us celebrate long lasting friendships.

Marti and Bob

Jim, David, and Curt

Blogspot has a new format that is causing me serious consternation.  I would really like to add to my reading list, but I can't figure out how to do it.  Does anybody know?  Will add when I become somewhat competent at this new "improvement".  Oh, I figured it out!!! My reading list is now up to date!  Am available for tutoring.  :):)

The inexorable march of the seasons continues, and now it is fall.  The colors are not as vibrant this year as in years past, but the air is crisp and bracing, and the view across the mountains is still breathtaking.  I will leave you with a couple of "porch portraits".  Love to all.

Fall 2012

Sunrise

Visitors, Celebrations, Family, and Other Stuff

I've been out of touch for a long time, but it is summer in the mountains and things have a way of spinning out of control.  We have had some guests, have been involved in some community activities, and have otherwise gone about the usual tasks involved in living from day to day.  The summer is coming to an end quickly, though, and it won't be long until the long, slow, cold days of winter assail us.  I never mind those, at least I don't mind them now that I know what to expect.  You'll remember my first winter here...um, um, um.  Neal told me I sounded pretty pitiful in my blogs from that winter.  I didn't mean to, though.  Last winter was very kind, but I hope for a little more cold and snow this winter...especially since the mildness didn't kill all the bugs that invaded my garden this year!

My friends Wilma and Lisa came for a visit.  Wilma and I taught school together when we were young teachers in a small eastern NC school.  I met Lisa through her.We had a good time roaming the mountains, talking, and catching up.  Wilma and her sister are coming back in a couple of weeks for a short visit.  I always love seeing her, though our times together are few and far between.  I keep saying that I'm going east to see her sometime "this winter", but so far I haven't gotten there.  You know what they say about good intentions!  This picture is of the three of us with "my" mountains as a backdrop.  JR took it for us, but we had to have him take a large number of shots since we didn't want to get our stomachs in them!  Oh, the vanity of old ladies!

Lisa, Wilma and Lynn

My sister had a "Celebrate Everything" event at her house in late August.  This celebration is an on-going attempt to keep our families connected.  We have held it in various locations over the years.  This year, neither of my children were able to come, Mama didn't feel like making the brief trip, and my other siblings were also unable to make it.  Nevertheless, Judy's family was there, as well as one of my brother's sons along with his girlfriend and mother, and some good friends of Judy and John.  Here are some pics of my nephews and some others who are important to them.

Lee

David and Alix

Ceci, Curtis, and Kerry

Jim's niece Fran and her husband Neal came for several days.  They are always such easy guests, and always manage to help us get things done that we leave undone out of sloth!  This time we cleaned out a storage container that Jim has sold.  There were a number of heavy items in it and it was very excellent to have some young bodies to help with the lifting.  I confess to not lifting too much.  :):)  Following is a picture of Fran and Neal.  Fran is coming back with her mother soon.

Fran and Neal

While they were here we had a "blue moon".  They only occur about every 2/1/2 years and aren't really blue, but the name refers to the second full moon in a calendar month.  Pretty, wasn't it?

August's Blue Moon

We belong to a little community group whose mission is to provide college scholarships to students from this area.  Each year we have a bazaar.  Jim and I work very hard to help make it a success as do all our community members.  The interesting thing is that most of the members who work this bazaar are really elderly (Jim and I are the youngest in the group).  Below are a couple of people who are in the group.  Dottie puts it together every year.  Amazing!

Jule, President of the CDC

Dottie (facing), with Rose, choosing raffle winners

 I took myself to Charlotte for a couple of days to go to the dentist and to visit my grandchildren. (Their parents are chopped liver.)  They are so cute.  Jonathan was playing a baseball game, and the girls were hanging out at the field along with the rest of the family (grandparents, cousins, etc).  Katie is in 7th grade so she was busy with homework.  Reni entertained all the little kids, and JJ was the star of the game!  Aren't they cute?

Katie

Reni

Jonathan

I'm still trying to finish the fantasy, Song of Ice and Fire.  I'm into the fourth book (almost finished).  There is another one to go, but I may take a break and read something else.  It's good, though, and I can't wait for the next season of Game of Thrones!

Clearly, I have too much time on my hands.  This picture is in the vein of the chicken resort I posted earlier this summer.  When I was at Biltmore last time I bought a piece of yard art.  It happened to be a grasshopper which I deposited in a flower bed in front of my house.  In the meantime, some volunteer impatiens came up.  One of them flowered right in the "hands" of the grasshopper.  I decided that she looked like a bride with her bouquet.  Hence, the "grasshopper bride".  What do you think?  :):)

The Grasshopper Bride

Hope all is well with all of you.  I leave you with a "Porch Portrait"...a beautiful sunrise.  Enjoy!  Love to all.

Sunrise Across the Hills

Family Fun; Bears and Chickens; Tomatoes and Fog

The Boys and Their Families

Adam and Shanna and their girls came for their annual summer visit.  They were here for several weeks and stayed with us for much of the time.  Jon and Patti and their children came for a weekend and a wonderful time was had by all.  In addition to the usual family comraderie, the young people spent an afternoon hiking and visiting a biological center where Adam used to work, leaving MiMi and PapaJim to peace and quiet for a few hours!  While everyone was here we cooked, ate, sat around a fire and made s'mores and shot off benign fireworks.  I know that all of you know how special it is to have loved ones around, but words to describe it are hard to find.  The intensity of the feeling fills the heart to bursting, and words become tears of joy.

The Little Riggsbees, July 2012

MiMi and PapaJim with Gracen, Lauren, Katelyn, Jonathan, and Avery

 I've told you about the bear before.  Heretofore, we haven't seen him, but that changed last Sunday night.  He has been here numerous times in his quest for food, and one time he managed to tear up our rock wall looking for grubs.  Perhaps he found some and decided to come back.  Jim and I were sitting in the great room and, suddenly, there he was, turning up rocks looking for whatever is under rocks.  The dog was going crazy and Jim got his gun and shot over his head.  He took off like a shot.  We haven't seen him since, and I hope we don't.  We don't want to have to kill him.  After all, we moved into his territory.  He appears to be a young bear, perhaps he has just left his mother, and he sure is scruffy looking!  He is standing on a wall that is about 40 feet from our front porch.

 While Gracie and Avery were visiting their other grandmother in Asheville, I drove over and we took the girls to the Western North Carolina Nature Center.  It's a really neat place with lots of native animals.  They are in a natural habitat zoo, and most of them have been injured previously and are protected by the zoo.  We had such a good time.  I got a picture of the girls in the barnyard in a broken "chicken egg".  And Shanna took one of MiMi with them as we were leaving.  I love those girls!!!

Gracen and Avery

MiMi and G and A

My sisters, Mary and Judy

 While the young Riggsbees were in Chapel Hill, my sisters came to visit.  It has been a long time since we were together for any length of time, but we had a wonderful time!  It was rainy, cool, and dreary while they were here so we entertained ourselves by watching Game of Thrones.  None of us have been keeping up with the HBO series, but I got hooked on it and have succeeded in getting them hooked, too.  We can hardly wait for season three!




I like to go to this farmer's market in Dillard, GA.  For months I have been passing this field with a chicken house with three umbrellas in front of it.  I asked Jim if he thought that was a chicken resort.  He rolled his eyes at me.  What do you think?

Chicken Resort?

And then, I find out little things I never knew all the time.  This year I have grown cherry tomatoes for the first time ever.  I have two plants and I discovered that they grow their tomatoes differently.  One of them grows tomatoes in a cluster at the end of a stem and the other grows its tomatoes along a stem.  Amazing!

Tomatoes Growing in a Cluster

Tomatoes Growing Along a Stem

A finally (I'll bet you're glad), I leave you with a Porch Portrait.  This was made at dusk after an afternoon of thunderstorms.  Love to all!

Fog at Dusk

Gardening Woes; Avey Turns 4; Locks of Love

Part of my Garden

You know, guys, I've grown gardens for years, but I'm finding out that growing a garden in the mountains is a whole different animal than growing one in the Piedmont.  This is our third garden.  The first one just grew, no major issues or obstacles.  That experience fooled me.  Last year was the worst garden I've ever had.  I think some of it was our fault...we planted too early, the soil wasn't right, and the growing season just wasn't conducive to a good garden.  Nobody around here had a good one, but I think ours was bad in spades!  This year it looked like the stars would align to get some good stuff (and it still might).  We amended the soil, didn't plant too early, and have taken great good care of the fledgling plants.  However, the weather and other nature have conspired to make things hard.  The tomatoes got blight (a result of wet weather) that affected all 22 plants, and I had to nurse them along.  They look okay now, but the weather is still wet and cool.  That, my friends, results in blossom drop.  I have beautiful plants that bloom prolifically, but then the blooms fall off before they set the fruit.  There's only one thing to do about that...wait for the weather to right itself.  I did notice two grape tomatoes forming on that plant today, so maybe the worst is over.  And then there is the wildlife.  I decided (erroneously it turns out) to plant seeds rather than starting the cuke and squash plants.  Well, did you know that chipmunks and squirrels like the seeds?  They teamed up to devoid my garden of EVERY seed.  So, having no other recourse, I started seeds.  Even after I planted the little plants, they dug around them to find the seed.  Geez!!!  I think I finally have some plants that have lost their appeal to those little critters.  But the big deal was the bear who took it upon himself to tromp through the garden.  Luckily, he did little damage, but I'm sure that was just luck.  In addition to taking on the garden, he tore a bird feeder down and devoured the seed, got into the garbage building and distributed garbage all over the yard, rearranged the contents of the fire pit, and dragged  garbage cans full of grass and bird seed down the hill.  And he didn't even tear open the bags and eat them!  Right now the garden looks good (except for the okra and cantalope...people tell me they don't grow well here).  In Charlotte, all I did was plant and pick.  Gardening up here is a lot more work!

Bear Tracks

Our youngest granddaughter, Avery, turned four a couple weeks ago.  I don't see her very often and when I talk to her she sounds so grown up.  They will be here at the end of the month for a bit of time.  I can hardly wait!

Avery turns 4!!!

Her sister, Gracie, had really long and pretty hair.  She had it cut yesterday to give it to Locks of Love...a thoughtful, caring gift to a child who has lost her hair.  I know that was Shanna's idea, but it warms my heart to know that she is passing on the willingness to give from the heart to the girls.

Gracie's Locks of Love

Nothing else new up here.  The sun is out today and though there is a 50% chance of thunderstorms, it has been nice to stand in the warmth and brightness.  Hope it helps my garden.  Love to all of you.

Another pretty sight from the ridge.

Rhododendron