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