A White Christmas Arrives

In the Carolina Foothills



Hello Frosty!



Frosting

At 9:15 a.m. on Christmas morning soft, fluffy flakes began to fall and they kept
falling well into the night. It was a special, divine gift to have a white Christmas,
a snow day when we had no choice but to stay home, kick back and relax.
It was a pleasure to watch the cardinals, chickadees and nuthatches flying
in to feast at the bird feeder.  The day was spent frolicking in the snow,
surfing the web, reading books and magazines, watching "Scrooged"
(for the umpteenth time), and playing with an old dog and young pup
by the hearth while the hubby whipped up a batch of his spicy
white bean chicken chili.  

Hubby and Gus playing by the Christmas Tree



'Tis The Season

Photo taken on a bitter cold January day in the community of Dudley Shoals NC

Christmas is barking at my heels like a mad dog.  So many details, so many places to be, so many gifts yet to wrap.  This year has been particularly difficult in an economy that has left those of us in the middle class suburbia strapped to the point of . . . well let's not go into details.  I will say, however, I've grown very fond of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch.

Anyway, here I am in my tiny little home office surrounded by an explosion of wrapping paper, ribbon, bags, etc.  I've been perplexed about what to give my brothers this Christmas.  We'd all agreed not to purchase each other gifts except for the family's two young grandchildren.  Nonetheless, I feel compelled to honor my siblings, as they have been the source of much joy and frivolity over the years.  Not to mention, always being in my corner. 

So . . . I picked out the one photo I've taken this year that is my most favorite (shown above).  I've just printed it out and I'll frame it in inexpensive, yet attractive frames. Christmas simplicity . . . it doesn't get any better than that!  Still, it's nothing compared to the love I've received from these gents over the years.

Oh Christmas Dog

Santa "Paws"

Oh Christmas dog, oh Christmas dog, your nose is bright and shiny.

Oh Christmas dog, oh Christmas dog, so is your hiney.

You light the night so bright and free though I know you’d rather be inside with me.

Oh Christmas dog, oh Christmas dog, please guide me through the rain and fog.

You light the way to my front door which keeps me from tripping up and getting sore.

I plug you in again and again to me you’re man’s best holiday friend.

Oh Christmas dog, oh Christmas dog, you’re so cute to me.

Oh Christmas dog, oh Christmas dog that’s why so I placed you near the dogwood tree!

Season’s greetings everyone.  I don’t normally go in for a lot of outdoor holiday lighting. Some of it can be as tacky as bright red fingernail polish.  But, this year, I found a little lighted 30-inch white dog advertised in a local store flyer and found it so endearing I just couldn’t resist. His red and white Santa hat is offset by a sparkly green neck scarf.  Of course then I had to decorate the picket fence behind the little fella with red and white lights.  Uh, and then I put a Christmas tree lit with red lights up in the window. So, if any of you see me out and about wearing bright red finger nail polish, shoot me …with a water pistol.

In this season that represents new birth and possibilities, I wish you one and all the very best. May your blessings be many, your needs be few and may peace settle gently over you at the end of the day! From my house to yours: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!



Stark November Beauty



High mountain morning frost



Fog rolling in across Mt. Mitchell In late November

I wish I had taken these lovely photos but I owe all the credit to the other photographer
at my house who went for a long weekend camp outing to commune with nature and a
group of friends. 

These photos were taken very near Mount Mitchell where word is it got d--- cold!
But with enough Tequila and adequate stores of firewood, the group made it through
the weekend and were tired but happy upon their return.

Kinks in the Road

You know, sometimes things happen to mess up your week (or weeks, if they are consecutively bumpy) that you have absolutely no control over.  Last week I spent my Veteran's Day off talking to some dude in India, trying to get my internet back up.  Yesterday, again, another four hours was spent with a Charter installation guy who came to install our television, phone and internet service.  'Got the internet - finally - then accidently deleted my Control X application which means, DOH! I don't have internet yet again! I could kick myself. Then, I come to work today on third floor of our old building where they're housing 14 of us during the building's major renovation and the heating/airconditioning units were (allegedly) going to be installed in the windows.  So, natch, the electrical guys cut holes out in two of the windows and then went downstairs to start a different project.  Now we are sitting up here on this dark, dreary day exposed to the cold and and damp because of these stupid holes. Actually, it's raining and we are exposed to the damp air because of that. 

BUT, do I get worked up about this mess??? Why bother . . . Thank God for better living through pharmacology!

Troubleshooting via Earthlink

At some point in time during this past weekend my home connection to Earthlink  gave up the ghost.  This meant no e-mailing, no surfing, no transmitting of written material or photos to FOCUS (free weekly entertainment newspaper).  This was not the first time this internet provider has disappointed me . . .but it was the last time.  I was off  from work for Veterans Day and spent my entire afternoon chatting with some fella in India about troubleshooting this problem of  a lost connection.  His name was Steve.  I really wanted to say, "Ah, come on now Steve - what do your friends call you? Papoo? Devinder? Ram? " I kind of had a problem with the fact that not only has the work been outsourced to India, they probably require their tech people to use strictly English names. And, even though he spoke English, he wasn't speaking well enough for me to understand him most of the time, so I had to keep saying, "Sorry, what was that?"

At any rate, after nearly FOUR hours, Steve concluded the problem had to be with my router.  He connected me with someone who was going to help me with that but, at that moment time, my phone went dead because it needed charging.  Good thing, too - at least it saved me from being a horse's ass! I had reached the point of cursing. 

Ahhh... all things happen for a reason. I am now officially divorced from Earthlink and am looking forward to working with a new provider by the end of the month. Dad-nab technology, it's a blessing and a curse!

Peace. Over and out.

What About Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving has become the forgotten holiday in America.  Halloween candy is barely off the store shelves before the Christmas trees go up and all kinds of Christmas supplies laid out.

It used to be, way back when I came over on the Mayflower, Thanksgiving was a pretty big deal.  My brothers and I would fight over who would get the most amount of turkey with the skin still left on it.  That's because my mom knows how to bake a turkey to ultimate perfection, accompanied by gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans and rolls.  And, of course, we'd also fight over who was going to get to pull the wishbone.

We spent the week after Thanksgiving eating turkey sandwiches and turkey-vegetable soup until every spare part on the bird had been 100 percent utilized.

Things are different these days, and I blame it on commercial hype.  I noticed one of my neighbors has alread put up his outdoor Christmas lights.  Geesh! We haven't even reached the middle of November yet!

Oh well . . . I'm looking forward to packing my lunch with sausage stuffing and turkey gravy.  That's what puts the "gobble, gobble" in T-day!

WAY TO GO MADISON BUMGARNER!

Caldwell County's very own Madison Bumgarner (Who just turned 21 on Aug. 1, 2010), rookie pitcher for the San Francisco Pirates, made a giant impression on baseball fans, as he premiered his talents in a World Series victory against the Texas Rangers on Monday, 11/1/10!

Bumgarner and his longtime high school sweetheart, Ali Saunders, both graduates of South Caldwell High School, were married on Valentines Day this year.

I watched most of the game Halloween night.  The Giants were playing on the Rangers' home field.  That alone would have been daunting, but in addition both President Bushs were in the house, complete with an entourage of secret service agents. 

Madison, a.k.a "Maddy," seemed cool as a cucumber as the crowds roared around him.  And . . . MAN, can this kid throw a fast ball! 

I'd like to wish Madison and his lovely bride and their family all the best as they have much to celebrate!

Check it out at http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/39944639/ns/sports-baseball/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/39944639/ns/sports-baseball/

Throughout the series the game announcers would make reference to the fact Maddy is from Hudson, NC, a small town of 3,500 people.  Hmmm... is that really pertinent? They kind of made out like Hudson was a small town located in the outter rings of the galaxy.  For cryin' out loud people, everyone has to be from somewhere.  Nonetheless, I reckon that thar Bumgarner kid done prooved that even us hill folks got talent, poise and class!

I happen to be from Hudson myself.  I moved there from Hickory, NC, some 15 years ago.  Frankly, Hudson was a well kept secret until now.  We cherish our small town where folks are nice, main street is decorated for every season, and the views of Granfather Mountain and surrounding foothills can't be beat!

Meellting!

Pleeese help me! I'm meeeelting!

Not only is it a balmy 74 degrees outside, it is a hot, sticky, uncomfortable 84 degrees inside at work today!   It's a bit hard to concentrate with the sweat is trickling down your back.  AARRGH.

On a lighter note:  We are having a groovy Halloween-type office party at the picnic shelter in the park at Broughton State Mental Hospital.  (Which is a spooky place in and of itself!  I read on the internet that those woods are haunted, as a woman was murdered there a long, long time ago.  Oh, well. . . aren't we all just a little spooky, too?)  I think I'll dress up as my "evil twin sister!"

That's it for lunch time notes!

Halloween - Now and Then




HALLOWEEN NOW
October, 2010
My T-Shirt reads: "The Nagging Will Continue Until the Job is Done."
Above the skull and cross bones it says "Pirate Wench"
Arrgh! Watch out matie or I'll put a spell on you!
Photo courtesy of FOCUS newspaper

 


HALLOWEEN THEN
Halloween Night - October 31, 1987
That's me, Sara, the blonde witch.
To protect the innocent, the other folks here shall remain nameless.
Photo courtesy of FOCUS newspaper

I love Halloween.  No matter how old I am, come October 31st I put on my "wig hat" and have such a good time the memory of it haunts me for the rest of the year!  These photos have both appeared in FOCUS free weekly entertainment newspaper - all the news you can use and more! Remember:  All you need is love ... and FOCUS!

I'm a free-lance editoral writer for FOCUS.  Be sure to check out the newspaper online at http://www.focusnewspaper.com/.





Cruising Down Waterfall Road



Where The Water Falls

This waterfall is located on Waterfall Road in Caldwell County, N.C.  The road is just off 321 North and happens to be on the way to Blowing Rock and Boone, where I spend much time during the year - it's my favorite place to escape!

Years ago, the waterfall was dotted with grafitti and litter.  Some things never change.  The low rocks still had some grafitti (usually it's a proclamation of someone's love such as "Tony Loves Judy," or something like that).  However, it was good to see the litter was gone and this place, which is little more than a pull-over along a winding road, was quiet and serene last week when I was there.  I stopped for a bit to muse and inhale the heady scent of water and earth.  Small treasures of nature like this one remind me to take life on glorious day at a time.

Rows of Color





Is There Anything More Beautiful Than High Country Color?

  The most beautiful surroundings I once took so much for granted I am now seeking out as a measure of peace within my being. The blossom of youth did not allow me to appreciate the grandeur of them as I do now.

I've taken time off this week to photograph some of God's most beautiful country.  I never have to look far,  for it is practically right out my back door.  A Carolina blue sky with high, fluffy clouds, deep forest greens, scarlet red and golden yellow dotted my color palette on a beautiful sunny afternoon spent in the higher elevations of Caldwell County, North Carolina.  And, while I'm Charlottesville, Virginia born  and Thomas Jefferson is the my personal hero,  it is the wonderfully rich land and hospitality of the Carolina hills to which my heart truly belongs.

More to come ...

The Pumpkin "Perp"

Hmmm. . . yummy pumpkin!



Scarecrow is smiling because to the naked
eye the pumpkin on the left seems intact.
In fact, the backside of it has been nibbled
on daily by the Pumpkin "Perp!"

 






The Pumpkin "Perp." 
"Book Him Dan-o!"

   Every autumn I invest in a couple of small pumpkins with which to decorate the entrance to the courtyard of my home.  And . . . every year there's  a rascally squirel who delights in nibbling away at the pumpkin buffet! This little critter loves pumpkin rind and has now nearly nibbled his way completely through one of my glorious orange orbs!

Arrrgh! I placed the pumkins at the foot of my seasonal scarecrow, which might be scaring crows, but it's sure not doing anything to fight the onslaught of that cute but pesky rodent!

Alas, I bought a nice carving pumpkin recently but had to steal it away to the fireplace hearth where it waits for Halloween. 

One year, I decided to attach 3 ears of  Indian corn to my mailbox as a seasonal decoration.  The very next afternoon, upon arriving home from work, I discovered 3 completely bare corn cobs. 

Oh well... such is life when you live in the woods.

Indian Summer

It's been an altogether long Indian Summer.  It's 85 degrees today!  Where is the crisp, cool air? The wind rustling through the leaves? Chrysanthemums in bloom??? Ack! I've invested in some nice sweaters from Goodwill (currently my most favorite boutique).  I sure would love to wear them!


I'm writing this missive during my lunch hour which will be followed by a PMP by my supervisor.  PMP means Personal Management Plan . . . or something like that.  Hm... it's just another way to say yearly review.  I am, I believe, among the bottom 5 making the least amount of pay in a government department where I've worked for 13 years.  Needless to say, my motivation at the moment is not stupendous. I am a glorified secretary.  A couple of things I've discovered though:

1. Without the low-end support staff, the upper-end staff (with fancy degrees) is basically lost.
2. The secretary/receptionist/ processing assistant - whatever - is the one person who is likely to know the most about what's going on at any given time.

Hey, you wanna know something? Go ask the secretary.  'Just saying.


Okay, well . . . now that I've finished my macaroni salad I guess I better freshen my breath and lipstick and brace myself for the rest of this day!


Over and out for now.

October Beauty

October Geese in Morning Flight

Table Rock & Hawk's Bill in the Background

I love the warmth and color of October:


The smell of the fresh, crisp morning air.


Plump geese flying from one pond to the next.


A cup of hot tea sitting in my old rocking chair on the porch, watching the sun set low on the horizon.


The smell of wood smoke.


The morning mist hanging over the Johns River as I cross it each morning on the way to work.


Pumpkins scattered about! And the anticipation of donning a special disguise for an upcoming annual Hallowee party at friend's house on the lake!


Toasty warm sweaters found at the Goodwill Store for a mere song!


Snoodling with my pooches!


And finding time to read "World Without End" by Ken Follett - a huge novel I purchased this summer to read during these glorious fall days!

Ode To A Belated Labrador

I passed a handsome young black male Labrador Retriever on my way to work one morning this week who lay freshly dead from a mortal hit along Hwy. 18 between Lenoir and Morganton, NC.  He was a handsome critter.  I thought sadly to myself, "Surely he must belong to someone.  Hopefully he won't be there this afternoon on my way home."  But...he was.  Stiff in the afternoon sun he made a statement to me. The next morning, as I passed, the stiffness had gone from him.  I passed him once again. This time, however, I could not continue on down the road.  I turned back and returned to the place where he lay on the shoulder of the road near a deserted parking lot. 

I pulled in, put my flashers on and walked up to the the fellow.  He was well fed, but had no collar on.  He seemed to be intact so I bent down to move him off the shoulder of the road. My hands became soaked with dark, cold blood as I reached all the way around him. This did not horrify me in the least (although it might have any other time).  I walked to the car, found a bottled of water and some paper towels.  I rinsed the blood off my hands and dried them.  The smell of death could not be removed though - that was going to take something stronger. I found an old bath towel in the back of the car and took it back to the dog where I covered him up and tucked it in where I could so the wind coming off the large trucks passing by wouldn't blow it off.

When I got to work, I called the DOT to come pick him up. A nice gentleman answered the phone and listened as I told him the reason I'd stopped was because he'd reminded me of a dog I had recently lost. And, also, I said, "You know, children who pass by and see that sometimes get upset.  I know I used to."  "Yes mam," he said.  "I'll have someone go get him right now." "You'll find him under a blue bath towel" I replied. "You can't miss him"

Damn, it makes me mad to think someone hit that dog and didn't have the decency to do what should have been done.

Summer's End

Wilson's Creek in mid-June

Alas, summer's coming to a close.  It is as it should be I suppose. There are acorns on the oak tree outside my balcony ready and willing to rain on me.

The leaves on the dogwood have begun to turn red. This summer is but a lingering memory in my head. Rainy day winds are beginning to blow and the tea kettle's on the stove simmering low.

And so it's to bed I now will go with my cup o' tea and slip into dreams of would could be.