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 |
