trip with ruth

Visiting Santa

2012-01-14T18:54:00.010-05:00

Continuing Story

2012-01-14T18:30:00.003-05:00

New Years Eve wasn't much of a celebration this year, but the night before Ben took us out to eat at a nice place in N. Asheville, Avenue M. I had a few cocktails, and enjoyed a rare night out. Mostly when we go out, it's for lunch. Helen tends to be in a better mood during the day. New Years day we had our neighbors and my Dad over for a traditional meal of black eyed peas and collard greens. Ben also made cornbread. For my Dad's birthday Ben cooked another wonderful meal of baked chicken, butternut squash, stuffing, salad, and gravy. I made a Devil's Food cake and Ben made butter cream icing. We had my Dad's friends over, and my Dad's friend Jim has the same Birthday.
We have discovered that Miss Helen loves blueberries and pinto beans. We took her to the mall to make a Papa Smurf at Build-A-Bear yesterday, and afterwards we went to Papas and Beer for some yummy Mexican food. Ben started to give her a few pinto beans, and she just kept eating more and more. Today her poop was blue because of all the blueberries she's been eating. She also likes to share my grapefruit with me in the morning, although this morning she kept standing up in her high chair, and just as my attention was someplace else, she took a nose dive toward the floor, luckily my reflexes are pretty good and I stopped her with my shin and caught her before she smashed to the floor.

September - December

2011-12-13T12:11:00.006-05:00

OK, so it's been a long time since I've posted here. The reason is that on my new computer at home I can't post, so I've decided to write my posts, and try posting when I get to work. If it works, I might continue to write on this, if it doesn't, well, I'm not sure what's next for this little blog o' mine.

We've had a lot of fun the past few months. Helen is growing and learning all the time. She's walking, climbing stairs, learning to back down stairs, laps, and chairs. She loves her board books and enjoys turning the pages. We've also started getting Animal Baby magazine, Helen loves it. We enjoy going out to lunch with my Dad once a week when he's in town. Helen eats solids, and doesn't really care for baby food anymore. She loves ice cream, cake, pasta, and still enjoys her formula. I've tried to use cloth diapers, but disposables are so much easier. I will still try cloth, but not regularly. We went out to Flagstaff to visit Lars and Theresa in Sept. It was only for a week, but we got to see some National Parks, including The Grand Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, Montazuma's Well and Castle, and a few others. We stayed in a nice old hotel, that apparently is haunted called Little America. We met up with Elizabeth Bolignini Ostrom's family for breakfast and lunch in Flagstaff. The short flights were fine with Helen, but during the long flights she just couldn't settle down. We were delayed on our return trip and ended up having to spend the night in Atlanta. Needless to say, that wasn't much fun.
We've been to Allison's wedding with my sister's family in Oct. It was a beautiful wedding at an old plantation house. The ceremony was outside and the reception was in the house. My Dad, Aunt Sally, Aunt Kaye, Uncle John, Aunt Bonnie, and a few cousins were there. It was great to see everyone. In Nov. Helen, Jenni, and I went to Matt and Cindy's wedding on Tybee Island, Ga. It was beautiful and the weather was good. It turned a bit rainy while we were staying in Hilton Head, SC with Susie (Jenni's Mom) and Connie (Susie's friend), but we still had a nice time.
We've also been to Raliegh, Durham, and the Chapel Hill, area at the beginning of Nov. We saw Cousin Irene and Heidi, Aunt Joan and Uncle Steve, friends Lawrence and Erika's family and Bruce and Jennifer's family, and Thuy's family. We went to the zoo in Asheboro, and Helen loved the animals.
I stopped working at the Muscle Factory because of lack of regular students. Then recently I heard they had to shut down. I'm still teaching 3 classes a week at Mountain Yoga. We are currently getting the JC house ready to put on the market. Thanksgiving was spent at the Clark's with Angela's family. It was great to see them and meet Gage and baby Autum. It was good to see the twins, Ayla and Eden again too. We just celebrated Ben's Birthday at the house here in Mars Hill. His family, Richard, Jenni, Gawain and his girls, and my Dad came. We're looking forward to going up to see my Sister's family near D.C. for Christmas this year (we missed last year). Helen and I have also been to 2 Christmas parties, JC Jr. Mon. Club and JC Monday Club. Last Sun. we got to surprise our friend Leslie at her 60th Birthday party in Black Mountain. The Jr. Mon. Club attended the Hand's On Night of Lights Gala again this year. The theme was Candy Land, and our tree and wreath sold for $125. Before the Gala was over, I went to The Down Home to meet Jenni to see Sonia and her sister Cindy of Disappear Fear. It was a wonderful show, partly because they hadn't toured together in many years. I bought a copy of their new CD, Get Your Phil, and had both of them sign it for me.
Asheville Smart Builders have finished our addition, and the Dining/Living room looks beautiful. We've had a few guests dine with us in the new room, and we used it during the party. Wendy Lawrence came out again in November to take pictures of the family in our Norwegian sweaters, and other looks for our Christmas cards and gifts for family and friends.
It's been a very eventful year, and we are looking forward to 2012. Helen will be one in Feb. and will start Kindermusik. I will turn 40 in May, and hopefully will have a big party, and I also hope to get more involved in the community. Right now Helen and I spend most of the week hanging out at the house, which is fine for now, but maybe we can get involved in some other activities in the future.
That's all for now, and as I say, hopefully I can post more regularly if I know I can get my post on here weekly.

June - September

2011-09-01T13:35:00.010-05:00

It's been a while since I've blogged, mostly that is because it doesn't seem to work anymore. A lot has happened since May. June we moved into the new house. We've been going to the Mars Hill Farmer's Market every Sat. and have become familiar with the farmers and other vendors. We went to a play in Mars Hill, Cheaper By the Dozen. I started to go to Asheville Bikram's Yoga. Many friends and family have visited including my Dad, Page's family, Jeanne and Richard, Kathleen, Jenni and her Mom, Leslie and Becky, Kyla and the boys, and Soapie. We've had two House Warming parties and entertained more than 20 people at each. The one on Sun. was mostly Ben's work friends from Bristol. We've played in the river and made friends with the neighbors Dave and Patricia. I've sent out change of address cards and received my new address labels. Helen and I walk down to the mailbox every day and I dip Helen's feet in the creek each time. I'm still working at Mountain Yoga and the Muscle Factory on Wed., teaching 4 classes. I still have lunch with Cindy (sometimes), Nancy, and Ben on the days Ben comes into JC with me. We are headed to Flagstaff, AZ Sept. 6th to visit Ben's brother Lars. He will meet Helen for the first time. Helen can walk with the help of furniture and her friends, she is eating 3 meals a day, and making sounds. I stopped breast feeding in Aug., my goal was 6 months, and I reached it. It wasn't the easiest thing for me to do and Helen stopped wanting to breast feed after 4-5 months, so it was all pumping for me, and I couldn't produce enough milk for it to be really worth it. Helen has tried many foods. She loves Patricia's chocolate cake, Oreo filling, cherry pop sickles, bananas, most fruit, peas, sweet potatoes, carrots, and honey nut Cheerios. She hates squash. Helen is mostly a joy to be around, except when she's tired and cranky. My high school classmate, Wendy Lawrence came to take photos of Helen Aug. 14th. The photos turned out beautifully. She is such a beautiful and sweet baby. She loves to laugh and have a good time. We got our Mars Hill Library library cards the other day. We've tried most of the restaurants in Mars Hill and our favorite is the Latin Restaurant. Ben works 3 days a week, but it feels like more because he is gone the whole day long. Lately he has had 3 day weekends, which has been wonderful. We went to Mount Mitchell last weekend and ended up in JC for the Cardinals game with Nancy and the St. John's members. We still haven't been to church here. We keep meaning to go, but with Ben's schedule, we tend to sleep in and get distracted with things to do around the house.

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-27T07:50:00.003-05:00

Well it looks like we'll be starting to move into the new place. We plan to paint the nursery light pink and the guest/tv room light blue. I feel like we need to lighten up the place, it doesn't have as many windows as I would like, but it's in a beautiful spot.

Our New House

2011-05-11T07:36:00.003-05:00

We found a house on Apr. 3rd. Helen was two months old. We will be moving in to the log cabin house in Mars Hill, NC when she is 4 months old. It happened so quickly, and we hope that it is the best thing for our little family.

Helen's Baptism & Easter

2011-04-26T16:50:00.003-05:00

Helen Goes Traveling

2011-04-19T09:53:00.015-05:00

Helen, her Daddy, and I went on another trip a couple of weeks ago to Chatanooga, TN. We stayed two nights at the Chatanooga Choo Choo Hotel. I went for a GFWC of TN Convention, and Ben went to keep me company and to go to the beautiful Tennessee Aquarium with Helen. Helen did very well in her first hotel room experience. She let us get some sleep and slept for most of the ride going and coming.

That same weekend we had Ben's Uncle Bill and Aunt Marlene come for supper. Ben got take out BBQ, and made strawberry sundaes for dessert. It was great to see them, especially because they live in upstate NY and we rarely get to visit. Also on Sun. we stopped in Knoxville, TN and had lunch at the Tomato Head Restaurant with Ben's Major Professor when he attended UT. We hadn't seen her in 15 years and it was good to get reacquainted.

Yesterday Helen had lunch with her cousins Devin and Sophie, Uncle Eric, Aunt Page, and Grandpa Charlie at Well Bred Bakery in Weaverville, NC. It was the first time she met her Uncle and Cousins, and they had a wonderful time with her. She was an Angel, and couldn't stop smiling. This week we are staying in a cabin with my family in Roan Mountain, TN, and this weekend we will have our family and friends around us as baby Helen is Baptised into the Episcopal Church, St. John's in Johnson City, TN.

Helen's World

2011-03-21T09:25:00.012-05:00

I know I haven't been keeping up with this for a long time, but a Momma's work is never done, or at least that's how I feel sometimes. Helen has been on two trips to Asheville to visit friends and family, and one trip to Efland and Mebane, NC to visit her Great Uncles and Great Aunts, and Great Grandmother. She did great on all her out of state visits, and we are hoping to take her on her first international trip in Aug. We plan to visit our friends in France who also have a new baby. I'm sure it will be a bit of an ordeal getting there, but once we are there we plan to relax and enjoy ourselves in the South of France with our friends in a quaint little house surrounded by hills, eating fantastic food, lounging by the pool, and feeding the goats. I'm looking forward to it. I haven't been international in a few years.

Here is a sampling of some of my favorite pictures of our beautiful baby girl.

Helen Margaret Four Days Old

2011-02-14T12:31:00.001-05:00

She Finally Arrived

2011-02-10T17:25:00.005-05:00

Baby Helen is finally here!! She's very cute and beautiful. I went to the hospital to get induced on Wed. Feb. 2nd, and she finally arrived via c-section at 12:09 am Feb. 3rd. I stayed in the hospital Thurs. night and went home on Fri. Many folks have come by to visit with us and see the baby. She has been good for everyone, and allowed many pictures to be taken, here are a few:

Well.....

2011-01-31T10:41:00.002-05:00

Well, she's still not here. Glad I taught yoga classes right up until her due date, because she's now almost a week and a half late. I have been having some contractions, and I have dilated just a centimeter, but not in full labor yet. I guess I'll make some sugar cookies to get my mind off of waiting.

Teaching Yoga

2011-01-19T11:30:00.002-05:00

Last week of teaching yoga for a few months, I plan to take my Maternity leave starting next week.

Installation For Johnson City Jr. Monday Club

2011-01-19T11:26:00.004-05:00

I got installed as the club president Monday Night.

Tick Tock

2011-01-19T11:25:00.001-05:00

Not too much going on, except waiting for my little baby girl to get here soon. Tonight's the full moon, maybe she'll make an appearance soon.

Onslo's Gone

2010-12-30T09:10:00.002-05:00

Our sweet tabby, Onslo passed away the day after Christmas. We adopted him when he was just a kitten in conjunction with his half brother Claude. Onslo was a playful, sweet natured, loving lap cat. He loved to get on Ben's lap every morning while he drank his coffee. He started losing weight a couple of months ago and became a pest about begging us for food. We took him to get more tests at the vet, and they couldn't find anything wrong with him. He was 15 years old, and I guess it was just his time. He had a wonderful life, was well loved, and loved playing with his toy mouse. In his last week of life we set him in front of the fire or near the heating vents. He died under my side of the bed, curled up and peaceful. It was hard to lose such a wonderful friend, but I'm glad he went quietly and peacefully in his own home.

Preparing For Christmas

2010-12-18T11:37:00.002-05:00

I've been sending Christmas cards to all my friends and family for the past two weeks. I got my Christmas shopping done for my family and sent it up with my Dad to Northern Va. for my sister's family. Unfortunately we can't go up there this year because I'm getting close to my due date, which is Jan. 21st. Ben and I baked all our Christmas cookies last weekend and plan to decorate, prepare the plates and tins, and deliver them to our friends and family this week. We saw White Christmas with two other couples on the big screen. I've been to three holiday parties and got to sit on Santa's couch for a professional picture with the old guy. We went to a very raunchy version of the Rocky Horror Picture Show play in Bristol last weekend and a very preachy musical at a local church last night entitled, The Christmas Post. We put up our Christmas tree on Thurs. and are still decorating the house with the creche, Christmas cards, and miscellaneous decorations we've collected over the years. I've been wrapping presents and have a few more stocking stuffers to buy. Christmas Eve we plan to go to Candler, NC to celebrate at my In-Laws house, and Christmas Day Ben and I will have a quiet Christmas at home unwrapping gifts, making a lovely meal to share with a few friends, and attending a church service (if we can't make it on Christmas Eve.) All in all, a different kind of Christmas than traveling to N. Va., but probably more quiet than future Christmas's to come with our new little one expected soon.

What's Been Going On?

2010-12-03T10:24:00.002-05:00

Well, first off, I quit my job at the library in late Oct. Then the ladies at the library had a really cute Nursery Rhymes baby shower for me, with curds and whey, pumpkin pie, strawberries in cream, and humpty dumpty deviled eggs. In mid Nov. my good friend Jenni gave me another baby shower at my Mother-in-Law's house in Candler, NC (west of Asheville). My sister was there and Aunts, and friends from Asheville. Jenni and her Mom made me two beautiful diaper cakes. I will try to post some pictures soon (my main computer's Internet isn't working, so I've been on the laptop since early Nov.) Then later in Nov. my friend from the J.C. Jr. Mon. Club threw me a shower in Johnson City. Her theme was rubber duckies. So baby Helen and myself have definitely been showered with lots of love and gifts. Next month the folks at Mountain Yoga will be throwing me my last shower before the little girl gets here. Four baby showers, not too shabby.
Also, last month was the Night Of Lights Gala at the Hands On Museum. The club I'm in, The Johnson City Junior Monday Club, does the coat check for this event every year. Being quite pregnant at this point, I brought my own chair to help with the coat check so I didn't have to be on my feet the entire time. I left to walk around to bid in the silent auction, take pictures of the tree and wreath I designed, and get a snack, and when I got back I was told that one of the musicians that was there tried to take my chair. Good thing one of the members knew it was my chair and didn't let him get away with it. I would have been one angry pregnant lady.
The theme was Christmas in Wonderland, so pictures of me at the Mad Hatters Tea Party will be posted soon. We got $130 for the Hands On Museum for our tree and wreath. I was really happy we were able to raise so much for the museum.
For Thanksgiving this year we brought our 13 year old Niece with us to Chapel Hill, NC. We had a lovely lunch with our college friends and their son on Wed., spent the evening with Ben's Aunt and Uncle having a home cooked dinner and spending the night, then we went to Ben's Aunt Joan's and Uncle Steve's for the big feast. At Joan's we spent the holiday with Ben's cousins, more Aunts and Uncles, and his Grandma. It was a bit crowded, but the food was delicious as always.

Preggers

2010-10-31T11:40:00.006-05:00

20 Year Class Reunion

2010-09-27T12:53:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago I attended my High School 20 year class reunion with my husband and best friend from HS. It was fun to see my former classmates, but unfortunately the event was held in a wood paneled room that was very loud. We had to yell at each other to be heard.

Some of My Favorite Photos from Yellowstone and The Grand Tetons

2010-09-27T12:43:00.006-05:00

Back From Vacation

2010-09-10T14:38:00.002-05:00

We got back from our big vacation a week ago. We had a great time in Yellowstone and The Grand Tetons National Parks. It was like being on safari, we saw tons of wildlife, moose, elk, antelope, weasel, marmot, pika, deer, bison, chipmunks, etc...

Kids Yoga

2010-08-13T09:44:00.002-05:00

Last weekend I attended another yoga teacher training for Kids Yoga. More than anything I realized how hard it is to do yoga after lunch. The yoga wasn't too hard, it was just crazy the way they would schedule a yoga class right after we ate. Of course it didn't hurt that I kept eating things like tofu, beans, and one day I had fried onion rings. The best thing about last weekend was having the opportunity to spend time with my friends and my Dad. I had lunch and dinner with my friend Jenni, dinner with longtime friends Leslie and Becky, and breakfast with my Dad. I also had a lunch with some new friends from my yoga training, which is always nice because we talk yoga, and I usually get new information and ideas. I'll post some photos soon.

Grayson Highlands, Virginia

2010-08-03T12:38:00.003-05:00

We've spent the last two weekends in Virginia. Last weekend we were on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd, Va., Peaks of Otter, Va. and Shenandoah National Park along Skyline Drive. The weekend before last we visited our friends while they were camping in Grayson Highlands State Park in Southwest Virginia. So many beautiful places in Virginia, makes me proud to have been born in the Old Dominion.

Big Boy

2010-07-22T10:57:00.004-05:00

I just saw an incredibly overweight man a few blocks from the library on my way to work today. His t-shirt was so huge it looked like a dress. Maybe he needs one of those mumu's like Homer Simpson has.

It's Almost Over

2010-07-15T10:24:00.002-05:00

Three more yoga classes to teach this week, then I'm back on a regular schedule.
Last weekend was fun, but a bit exhausting. We rode around Cades Cove, an 11 mile loop, on our bikes. Sat. mornings the loop is closed to traffic. We did see a bear off in the distance, a lot of turkeys and deer, and during our guided night walk, we saw bats and toads. Sat. afternoon we met up with some friends at their rafting co. along the Nantahala River in NC. We decided not to camp, but instead stayed in their little apartment in Cullowhee, NC. Sun. we had to go to Cherokee, NC for breakfast, at a pancake house, where else? We stopped in the casino to take a look and the man carded me. He said the light was hitting my face favorably and I looked like I could be under 21, that must be some funky lighting they have in that casino! Anyway, it was very smoky and depressing inside. A bunch of old geezers sitting around smoking and playing slot machines. I used the bathroom, then we left. No gambling for me. We did get to start on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the southern most entrance. We took it all the way up towards Weaverville, NC. I got almost a dozen stamps for my National Parks passport because we stopped at all the visitors centers that we came across in the Smokies and along the Parkway. In a few weeks we will take my Dad's Miata the rest of the way on the Parkway to Shenandoah National Park and meet up with my family and Ben's family along the way.

Fabulous Week

2010-07-08T19:06:00.003-05:00

This has been one of my favorite weeks of summer so far. Monday I had the day off to get a bit of house cleaning done for the eminent arrival of my brother-in-law Lars and his girlfriend. Tuesday I worked all day, but when I got home Lars and his lady friend were here and we took them out to BBQ at the Firehouse. Wed. I spent the morning at the Farmer's Market waiting in line for fresh made Amish donuts with Lars and Theresa, then Wed. evening I tried a new Middle Eastern restaurant with my friend Julie. Today I had a lovely lunch at Barbaritos with my husband, because I had the day off. Tomorrow another day off and we are headed to the Great Smokies to camp at Cades Cove and bike around the cove on Sat. with no traffic allowed until 10 am. So this week I worked one full day at the library, next week I work four days and teach seven yoga classes. I rested a lot this week, because next week will be a doozy!

Finally Better, I Think

2010-06-22T13:56:00.003-05:00

I've had a case of Bronchitis for the past month! I've had to take two rounds of antibiotics, I've coughed through the night, I've had to cancel a few yoga classes, and I've sucked down a lot of cough drops. My tongue still feels and tastes a bit funky, but I really think this time I'm on the mend.

Anniversary Weekend

2010-06-15T14:07:00.004-05:00

The weekend after our anniversary we went on our annual trip to Montgomery Bell State Park west of Nashville. On Saturday we had a romantic dinner in a nice restaurant near the park. I had shrimp and grits, and Ben had roast pork with plantains. We shared a fresh berry cobbler for dessert, yum! On Sunday morning we went to the Hermitage (Andrew Jackson's house.) During our lunch at Panera Bread it began to drizzle, we weren't sure if we should go to Cheekwood for the Chihuly exhibit, but we decided to give it a try. When we got there it was still raining a little, but within ten minutes the sun came out and it turned into a beautiful day. The museum had an American Impressionists art exhibit and artwork from the Faberge collection. I'll post some pictures that we took soon.

Anniversary Time

2010-06-03T13:57:00.003-05:00

I've been married to the same man for fifteen years! Pretty impressive in this day in age. I gave him the most romantic gift I could think of, he's been asking me for one for months, a nose and ear hair clipper. He used it this morning and loved it. But seriously, we'll do something more romantic this weekend.

Pictures From Our Trip to Roan Mountain with Friends

2010-05-25T12:44:00.007-05:00

Yoga Training

2010-05-25T12:25:00.003-05:00

I've been pretty busy lately. Last Wednesday I went to Asheville for another Yoga Teacher Training for five days to learn to teach Vinyasa Flow Yoga. It was actually a lot of fun, and I learned and relearned a lot. Since I've been back I planted a ton of flowers, did some weeding, clipping, and fertilizing of my little yard and flower gardens. This week is another busy week, and I'm already looking forward to the weekend and some time to relax on Sun. and Mon.

New Bike

2010-05-17T12:43:00.003-05:00

Last week was my Birthday. I had a lovely Birthday and Birthday weekend with friends. Bendik and my Dad went in together to buy me a brand new bike. We went up to Roan Mountain to spend the weekend with some friends, and I had a chance to ride it around and get used to it. It's green, has 21 gears, has nice wide tires to ride on the road or off road, and I've ordered a little basket for the front. I also plan to add a water bottle holder and a rack on the back if my old ones will fit. I plan to ride it to work to Mountain Yoga, and hope to do some bike rides with Ben. I haven't ridden since we lived in NZ, and it was many years before that.

Windy

2010-05-11T20:41:00.002-05:00

Last weekend we camped on Lake Watagua. We got the best spot, right on the lake, only problem was we camped during a wind storm and it was cold. We were reminded of our days in NZ, when the wind would blow so hard we had to walk into it to keep from blowing over. Ben did a little fishing, and caught and released a little sun fish. Sunday was Mother's day, we went to Ben's folks and had a little picnic with yummy salads and burgers. All in all a lovely weekend with friends, family and lots of wind.

Friends From France, Easter Weekend

2010-05-04T16:11:00.001-05:00

Getting Out In Nature

2010-05-04T15:47:00.002-05:00

Last week while Ben and our friend Nancy were fishing along the Watauga River, I saw two river otters. I've never seen them in the wild, so I was really excited. I know most fishermen hate otters, but I love seeing them in their natural habitat.
Last Saturday was the big Grand Reopening of the Yoga Studio where I work. She moved the studio closer to where I live, and in a bigger place. It used to be in the old King Building in Johnson City's old town on the 4th floor, I loved the view and all the natural light, but the new place has better parking and visibility.
That same day Ben and I headed up to Roan Mountain State Park to camp. We were so worn out we didn't even have a fire, we just got into our cozy tent and on our fancy new air mattress and had a great nights sleep in nature, with the creek as back ground noise. On Sunday we went up on the Blue Ridge Parkway and hiked around Linville Falls, Crabtree Falls, and Mt. Mitchell. We had a lovely lunch in Little Switzerland. I love our Sundays together.

Mad Men Barbies and More

2010-05-03T10:21:00.003-05:00

I just got done watching the third season of Mad Men again on DVD. I'm looking forward to season 4 this summer, and seeing these lovely Barbie dolls in the store. I might have to splurge and get one.

Wild Flower Hike In The Great Smokies

2010-04-27T15:36:00.006-05:00

Last Sunday Bendik and I were wondering what to do with our beautiful day off together. We remembered going on a hike last year at this time of year with my sister's family in the Great Smokies. We saw dozens of beautiful wildflowers, so we decided to bring along our wildflower guide and take the same hike. This year we saw and identified many flowers. We also saw a bear about 10 yards away from the trail. He was minding his own business and we were too far away to get a good picture of him. After the wild flower hike in the Greenbrier area of the park, we decided to take a hike to Rainbow Falls. The hike was 2.7 miles to the falls one way. I thought we could do it, but it wasn't easy, it was all up hill getting there. Luckily it was worth it. On our way home we decided to go through Pigeon Forge, hoping that it would be faster than going back along the Foothills Parkway. We made good time, but Ben cut a little close in front of a speeding motorcycle, and the motorcycle rider kicked the car. We were pretty irritated, especially because he was driving recklessly with a child on the back. We got home in time to watch most of the Lois Wilson Story, When Love Is Not Enough. The movie was a special Hallmark presentation, staring Winona Ryder as Lois Wilson. It was the story of how she started Al-Anon.

Last Weekend

2010-04-23T12:06:00.002-05:00

Last Friday I helped in the kitchen during our annual fundraiser for the Erwin Monday Club. We had a great turnout. The club serves BBQ prepared by the Firehouse Restaurant, and the club brings baked beans and cake to serve with the meal. All I did from 5-6:30 was make sure we had beans to serve, and plates and carry out containers available. The time flew by, and I got to work with my former co-workers from the Erwin library. The money raised goes to a college scholarship to a deserving young woman.
Saturday morning I woke up early and drove to Knoxville to represent the Johnson City Jr. Monday Club at the state convention. I met many wonderful club women. We had an afternoon break, and I went with a few women from the club in Tullahoma, TN to Market Square for the annual Dogwood Arts Festival. Mostly we walked around and saw young people creating chalk drawings on the sidewalk. On Sunday I attended a buffet breakfast where I was presented with the Most Outstanding Jr. Club Woman Award. I couldn't believe little ol' me won something. I guess it just shows that if you turn up to fundraisers, meetings, and have a few good ideas, it will pay off. I'm not really outgoing, gung ho, or assertive, but I get things done.
Except I haven't finished the scrapbook yet, sometimes I wish I had more free time.
It was cool to meet women across TN. My Mother's family was from Middle TN, so I was able to reminisce about that area. Even though I've never been to West TN, it was good to meet some women from that area, I'd like to go there some day. Sixteen years living in TN, and I still haven't been to Memphis.

The Help

2010-04-15T13:46:00.003-05:00

I'm currently listening to a wonderful book on CD. It's entitled "The Help." This week it is rated number two on the Best Seller List. I don't usually read or listen to the Best Sellers, but this is a really enjoyable listen, so far. I usually only listen to books on CD's while I'm driving, but I'm so into this one, that I bring it in and listen to it in my sunroom, and during my break at work in my extremely hot car. I think it might be a classic some day. It's about the way of life for women in the early 1960's in Jackson, Mississippi. It deals mostly with domestic help, but also civil rights issues, young married life, and women's clubs. It kind of reminds me of towns in the south I visited when I was growing up. It was my Mother's and Grandmother's generation. My Grandma used to have a maid, she was in a bridge club, and lived in a small town in Middle Tennessee most of her life. Even though, thankfully, I didn't live during the time of the Jim Crow laws, I can begin to relate to the women who did, through the book, and the ones in my own life. I remember once going to a public building out west somewhere and seeing two different water fountains. My Mother explained that one was used for whites and one for blacks. I thought that was so weird. The building where I work was an old train station originally built in the 1920's. The room where we keep the books was the old Negro waiting area. Now we have a black president, we've come a long way since then, and I'm sure we have more to go.

Durham Friends

2010-04-12T12:27:00.002-05:00

I have some friends who live in Durham, NC, and I got to see both of them last week. I met them both in my college days at (UNCA) University of NC at Asheville. I haven't seen Thuy since my wedding back in 1995. We reconnected on Facebook, and I went to visit her and her family in Montreat, NC while they were on a family vacation last week. We went out in Asheville, just the two of us, to a favorite restaurant of ours, Salsa. The food was wonderful, and it was great to have a chance to catch up after fifteen years! Also, I couldn't believe how lively downtown Asheville was on a Wednesday night, believe me, it wasn't like that in the early '90's.
Last weekend our friend Bruce came. We've been in touch over the years, even though we've lived in different states and cities. We go there, or he visits here. We've hung out on the beaches of South Carolina, toured Williamsburg, Va., and mostly hiked or driven in the mountains of W. NC or E. TN. I took him to Tartan Day in Jonesborough, TN and Ben took us on a hike up near Roan Mountain when he got off work.
I love this time of year. It's when many of my friends come to visit and when the mountains are beautiful. The hillsides are full of wildflowers, bugs aren't too bad, and except for the pollen, it's my favorite time of year.

Guests From France

2010-04-06T12:14:00.003-05:00

We had Jody and Sophie over last weekend from France. It's the first time they've been back for a visit since before they got married a couple of years ago. Jody's family took them to Dollywood, and did the big family thing with them. We took them out for Cuban Food, Contra Dancing (viewing), on a walk in the mountains, and a few other things. It was great to see them again.

I Survived

2010-03-30T11:55:00.002-05:00

Last week I taught 7 yoga classes. I was a little sore by Sat., but I survived. While teaching my Sat. class, I was told by one of my students that a new teacher they had at the studio was used to teaching 7 classes a day! Wowsers! I'm glad I don't have to do that, I'd be burned out so quick, but I'd have an amazing physique. Next month I'm going to fill in for another teacher and I'm scheduled for a total of 8 classes, which includes a kid's yoga class. I guess if I survived last week I can survive the week in April.
Happy Easter everyone.
My friends from France are coming for a visit this weekend, I just hope I'll have some time to spend with them, apparently they are very popular.

This Week

2010-03-22T12:03:00.002-05:00

Last weekend we went hiking Friday up near Shady Valley, TN along the AT, and on Sat. we hiked near Roan Mountain along the old Overmountain Men Trail in Hampton Creek Cove. Both hikes had beautiful views of the mountains.

We also watched some Northern Exposure Season 4, Deuce Bigalo European Gigolo, and the The City Of Ember. It was a thought provoking movie. Imagine, never seeing blue sky. Which isn't too hard to imagine since we didn't have much of it this winter. I also made some old fashioned mixed tapes to listen to while I do yoga. Ben's getting the kitchen ready to put some different cabinets up. My dad dropped off his sweet Golden Retriever for a visit, while he takes a trip south, and this upcoming week I'm teaching 7 yoga classes. That will be the most I've ever taught in a week!

7 Has Always Been My Favorite Number

2010-03-16T13:34:00.002-05:00

Lately I've been trying to incorporate a little Chakra information into my classes. I'm still trying to remember all the sanskrit names for each one.

Saving Worms From Drying Up

2010-03-12T13:28:00.002-05:00

Ben and I went walking around the soccer fields near our house on Wednesday after it had rained. The black top pathway was beginning to dry out, and on the asphalt there were dozens of worms dying, or near to death in the middle. Rather than let the worms dry up and die, Ben started to grab the ones that were still alive and wiggling and tossed them into the grass. How many people can you say do that? What a sweet guy.

Outside

2010-03-09T13:26:00.002-05:00

Getting outside a bit more this week. Ben and I have been going for a morning walk and the weather has been warm enough for me to take my lunch breaks on a bench out in front of the library. Mondays and Tuesdays are long work days for me, so I have to get my outside time when I can.

Ally McBeal Marathon Is Over

2010-03-02T11:49:00.002-05:00

I began my Ally McBeal marathon at my sister's house on Christmas day 2009. It has taken me a little over two months, but the marathon is finally over. I have watched the entire series, and am ready for the rest of the Northern Exposure series now, I have three more seasons to go. Hopefully I'll be done with that by the time Mad Men Season 3 comes out.

Two More Plays In February

2010-02-26T13:13:00.009-05:00

I recently saw the Barter Production of Alice In Wonderland this month with a good friend of mine. I loved the play and the puppets they used, but Alice's wig was so unattractive it was distracting. I just started reading the book. It's a book I've never read, although I've always meant to. I'm looking forward to seeing the new Tim Burton movie soon.

I attended another play last weekend with some friends at the Johnson City Community Theater. I love to support this small community theater when I can. We saw the play Doubt. I still haven't seen the movie, but I'm looking forward to seeing it after enjoying the play.

Yoga Stuff

2010-02-19T12:05:00.005-05:00

I'm teaching at two different studios in Johnson City, including my previous classes teaching once a week at the Muscle Factory and the Senior Center. I'm still trying to get used to my new schedule. These are the links of the places where I'm teaching:
Mountain Yoga
Inner Sea Yoga
Muscle Factory
The other thing that has happened recently is that the library where I work is losing another great lady from the staff. I actually had trouble sleeping last night because of the turmoil. It seems that although the patrons and staff like her and don't want her to go, the board has decided she can't work at the library anymore. It all seems a bit fishy and disloyal to me, but what do I know, I just work there.

Doppelgänger

2010-02-11T14:42:00.007-05:00

I'm not sure who my Doppelgänger is, but it is clear who Ben's is. Back in the late 1970's there used to be a show called "James at 15". The young actor who played James, looks just like Ben did and still does, only a bit older. Here are some pictures, and here is what a Doppelgänger is:

A doppelgänger is the ghostly double of a living person, a sinister form of bilocation.
In the vernacular, the word "doppelgänger" has come to refer (as in German) to any double or look-alike of a person. The word is also used to describe the sensation of having glimpsed oneself in peripheral vision, in a position where there is no chance that it could have been a reflection. They are generally regarded as harbingers of bad luck. In some traditions, a doppelgänger seen by a person's friends or relatives portends illness or danger, while seeing one's own doppelgänger is an omen of death. In Norse mythology, a vardøger is a ghostly double who precedes a living

person and is seen performing their actions in advance.

A Blizzard

2010-02-11T13:28:00.005-05:00

We still have to wait a bit for Spring. Another snow storm hit us yesterday, but we still had power. While the snow and wind was blowing outside, Ben and I worked on the 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle yesterday. The puzzle, pictured to your left, is of the original Woodstock poster. I got it for half price at Barnes and Noble last month. We also watched Ally McBeal, season 3 while we played the puzzle. I know most people say, worked the puzzle, but I look at it as playing. The puzzle is pretty difficult, with all that red, and white, and all the pieces looking very similar. But I find the more jigsaw puzzles I do the better I get.

It's Beginning To Look Like Spring Is Coming

2010-02-08T11:29:00.002-05:00

I usually practice yoga in the mornings, and then I get ready for work. However, this morning my husband commented on how sunny and pretty it looked outside, so I suggested we go for a little morning walk. My two best friends and I (my dog Ursula and my husband) had a nice walk around the soccer fields near our house. When I looked down there were little worms, and a thin coating of ice on the puddles. The bulbs are poking their green stems up from my garden, and the blue birds, blue jays, and robins were hopping around and flying from one fence to another.

Willie Got Postponed Due to Hand Pain

2010-02-01T13:16:00.003-05:00

Also, it didn't hurt that we got all kinds of snow last weekend. It didn't slow us down much because we have the Subaru. We went on a snowy walk at Sycamore Shoals and a hike in the snow along the river towards Laurel Falls. Ben took some cool snowy pictures, and a few of me doing yoga. Here's my favorite one:

Waiting For Willie

2010-01-26T13:47:00.002-05:00

I didn't think I was a fan of Willie Nelson 10 years ago, but that was before I saw him perform. My friend Jody and I went to see him perform at Funfest in Kingsport, TN many years ago. It only cost us around $5 each to go see a show at Funfest back then. I just thought I'd go and enjoy myself, even though I really didn't think I would recognize most of the songs. Boy was I wrong about the songs, I actually recognized most of the songs he performed. Many of the songs I grew up with like, On The Road Again, Always On My Mind, Crazy etc..... He played for a long time, and I was amazed at his stamina and his play list. Towards the end of the concert people where beginning to leave. Jody and I got closer to the stage, and he began playing the songs off his then current album Teatro. I was spellbound, I went out the next day to buy a copy, and I've loved Willie ever since. This weekend my good friend Jenni and I are going to see him in Asheville with her Uncle Tom, Tom's girlfriend, and Jenni's boyfriend. The funny thing is that Jenni's Dad hung out with Willie back in the day in Colorado. Jenni and her Dad saw Willie get off his tour bus one time when they went to see him in concert and Jenni's Dad started talking about the old times with him, Jenni was starstruck to say the least.

Alaska Dreaming

2010-01-21T13:52:00.004-05:00

I've been watching a lot of Northern Exposure lately. It's one of my favorites. I got season 1 for Christmas, had a copy of season 2, and recently bought season 3. I was talking to a couple who come in the library regularly, and they told me they lived in Alaska for 4 years. I told them I've been wanting to go for a visit some time. The lady said that people who live there either love it or hate it. Luckily they loved living there, and gave me all kinds of information, videos, and advice.

White House Visit and Christmas At My Sister's

2010-01-13T14:43:00.016-05:00

Happy New Years Resolutions

2010-01-07T12:56:00.002-05:00

Last year part of my resolution was to do more INVERSIONS (click on inversions to see what I wrote last year.) As my yogini would tell us, "Practice, Practice, All Is Coming." I know this is true, simply because the more headstands I did at the wall, downdog pose, and plank pose, this past year the more strength I gained in my shoulders, abs, and arms. The more I practice these poses the more poses I can do with confidence. I can now use the wall to get up into headstand, but now I don't need the wall to stay in headstand. I can stay in this pose for more or less two minutes with no support.
Last weekend I went on a Yoga Chakra Retreat at the Prama Institute near Marshall, NC. We had to observe silence all weekend. Before we started I talked to one of the other students there and told him that it would be easy for me to be silent because I work at a library and I don't feel the need to talk a lot. After only a few hours of silence it began to be uncomfortable, but once I got the hang of it I focused my thoughts internally, and I believe I got a lot out of it. I definitely learned more about meditation, the chakras, and myself.

I Hope Everyone Had A Very Merry Christmas

2009-12-29T13:56:00.004-05:00

We had a great time with my Sister's family up in N. Va. We just got back late late Sun. night. My Brother-In-Law gave us a tour of the West Wing of the White House, where all the big decisions are made. We saw the Oval Office, the Press Room, and conference rooms and a dining room. They also took us to a fancy Spanish Restaurant to have Tapas. We visited the Christmas trees in front of the White House, and the small ones from each state. We also walked around the one in front of the Capitol. That one was decorated with ornaments from Arizona this year. When we arrived on Wed. afternoon we made a snowman with my Niece and Nephew, and a Gingerbread House. After we opened all our presents on Christmas we put together a few puzzles and watched a bunch of Ally McBeal shows (my x-mas gift.)

*The pictures above are the beautiful children of one of Bendik's Norwegian cousins.

Big Snow

2009-12-21T11:00:00.002-05:00

Yes we lost our power for an afternoon and part of the night on Fri., but it's back on and we were back in business on Sat. Ben and I made four varieties of cookies and we also (for the first time) made a Martha Steward recipe of Spicy Cheese Wafers. Instead of fancy expensive Gruyere cheese, we used good old Extra Sharp Cheddar. They turned out really tasty.
Sun. we expected my in-laws, but because of the heavy snows in Candler, NC, they couldn't make it. So, that gave us plenty of time to wrap presents, finish decorating cookies, and go on a snowy walk with our friends at Sycamore Shoals State Park. I just hope we can get up to N. Va. for Christmas on Wed. without a hitch.

Fun Movies

2009-12-15T11:29:00.005-05:00

I've seen a couple of really good movies lately. The best so far is Fantastic Mr.Fox. It's quirky, funny, and original. I saw The Princess and the Frog last night. The animation was colorful, and a bit trippy at times. The music was Cajun and New Orleans Jazz inspired.

Another Useful Article: Complaints Aren't Constructive

2009-12-15T11:09:00.003-05:00

This is a good article. It reminds me about what works and what doesn't. I need to remember not to get so upset about complaints, because they aren't helpful, only hurtful.

Nobody likes a complainer. Complaints aren't just negative comments. They tend to be unhelpful opinions and judgements that serve no constructive purpose because they focused on weaknesses, faults, and flaws. They provide no direction to finding a solution or resolving an issue. In other words, they're not constructive.
What's the difference between unconstructive complaints and constructive comments?
Problem-Oriented and Solution-Oriented Complaining rehashes the problem over and over. Constructive comments understand the problem and look to resolve it by finding a solution.
Assign Blame Complaints seek to blame someone and finger-point. Constructive comments acknowledge that something went wrong but are focused on finding and implementing a solution.
Negatively Focused: There's no such thing as a positive complaint; negativity and complaining go hand in hand. A constructive comment highlights what can be learned from the situation and how it can be improved upon.
Emotionally-Fuelled: Do you ever find that you complain more quickly when you're upset or angry than when you're not? Negative emotions tend to induce complaining while constructive comments are created through level-headed, solution-oriented thinking.
Audience Unconstructive complaints can be said anytime, to anyone, anywhere. Constructive comments are only said to individuals who have the responsibility and authority to resolve the issue and improve the situation.
Recognizing the difference between an unconstructive complaint and a constructive comment is the first step to understanding which will keep the situation at a stand-still and which will lead to a solution.

It's Beginning to Smell A Lot Like Christmas

2009-12-12T13:12:00.001-05:00

Good Article From Yoga Journal:
Healing Holiday Herbs
No matter what holiday tradition you celebrate this winter, chances are you'll incorporate a fir tree, a potted poinsettia, or other significant plants in the festivities. Aside from lending visual and symbolic appeal, many of the holiday herbs historically used to ring in the season have medicinal benefits as well.
Take pine, for instance, which appears in cough syrups. This expectorant and antioxidant helps lung-related complaints such as asthma and respiratory infections. Pine tea added to a bath relieves sore muscles, while pine sap in a salve benefits eczema and psoriasis and draws out splinters.
We can clearly see why gold figured as a valuable gift in the age of the three wise men. But what about frankincense and myrrh? In the Middle East, people burned these resins to help purify the air, especially in public places of worship, where airborne disease presented a particular health threat. Myrrh, a plant native to the Red Sea region, served as a disinfectant, destroying bacteria and stimulating white blood cell production.
Mistletoe appeared as far back as 200 B.C. in the winter celebrations of the Druids, who gathered sprigs of the plant and hung them in their homes for good fortune. Herbalists today use small amounts of the herb to lower blood pressure, promote menstrual flow, and as a diuretic.

Jr. Mon. Christmas Party

2009-12-09T11:20:00.003-05:00

Here's a picture of most of the members of our little Club. We managed to get a few new ones this year.

2009-12-03T13:03:00.001-05:00

SERENITY PRAYER
God grant me the serenity to Accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen

We Had A Wonderful Thanksgiving Feast

2009-11-30T14:31:00.009-05:00

I actually ended up having two Thanksgiving feasts this year. One at our Aunt Joan's and Uncle Steve's near Chapel Hill, NC and the other with friends near Erwin, TN at their rafting outpost on the Nolichucky River.

Here are a few of the pictures from the family Thanksgiving:

Dependent On Computers

2009-11-24T11:56:00.003-05:00

I became painfully aware of how dependent people have become on computers this week. People don't even think of using a reference book, phone book, or a map. This week I got the question, is there a good map on the computer of the city of Erwin. I said, I don't know, but here's a map. The other person was looking on the computer for a phone number. I said, have you tried the phone book, she said she hadn't even thought of that.
The other funny thing that happened a few weeks ago was a patron started complaining that Fox news wasn't a reliable source for news, I said of course it's not. I told her to try NPR or BBC News on the radio. She said she doesn't get those programs at her house, and yet she spends hours on the library's computers finding sensational news stories to print out and read at home later.

2009 Hands On Gala

2009-11-23T13:54:00.006-05:00

I Love My Homemade Trail Mix

2009-11-20T12:09:00.002-05:00

I eat it for breakfast, in the car, and for snack. Lately I've been making it with dried cranberries, salted peanunts, and M&M's. I also love cashews, peanut butter chips, and raisins in it. Here's a brief history of this delicous snack:

Trail mix is a combination of dried fruit, grains, nuts, and sometimes chocolate, developed as a snack food to be taken along on outdoor hikes.
Trail mix is considered an ideal snack food for hikes, because it is tasty, lightweight, easy to store, and nutritious, providing a quick boost from the carbohydrates in the dried fruit and/or granola, and sustained energy from the mono- and polyunsaturated fats in nuts.
Both Hadley Fruit Orchards and Harmony Foods (two California growers) claim that trail mix was first invented in 1968 by two California surfers who blended peanuts and raisins together for an energy snack. However, trail mix is also mentioned in Jack Kerouac's 1958 novel The Dharma Bums as the two main characters describe their planned meals in their preparation for a hiking trip.
Other names
In New Zealand and Australia trail mix is known as scroggin. The name scroggin may be an acronym, taken from the first letter of eight ingredients: sultana grapes, chocolate, raisins, orange peel, ginger, glucose (sugar), improvisation or imagination (i.e., the chef is supposed to add a favorite ingredient), and nuts.
The word gorp, an alternative name for trail mix, may stand for "good old raisins and peanuts", "granola, oats, raisins, and peanuts", or "gobs of raw protein". These are probably backronyms or folk etymology. The Oxford English Dictionary cites a 1913 reference to the verb gorp, meaning "to eat greedily".
Trail mix is known as studenterhavre ("student's oats") in Denmark, studentenhaver in the Netherlands and Studentenfutter ("student's food") in Germany.

FACEinHOLE

2009-11-18T15:47:00.001-05:00

Create your own FACEinHOLE

A Good Read

2009-11-17T13:29:00.007-05:00

So far Patrick Swayze's book "The Time of My Life" has been a joy to read. About the same time of Patrick's illness, one of my Uncles also came down with Pancreatic cancer, so I'm well aware of how deadly this is. Unfortunately neither survived. However the book is full of hope and endurance. Patrick had many dreams. When the first few didn't come true, an Olympic gymnast, a professional football player, and a famous ballet dancer, he turned his dreams to becoming a successful actor. Some of my favorites are, Dirty Dancing and City of Joy.

A Fabulous Green Show

2009-11-12T13:16:00.006-05:00

I went to see "Little Shop Of Horrors" at the Barter Theater last night. I'd been wanting to go for a long time, and this is it's final week. I saw it at the Asheville Community theater in the early '90's, and really enjoyed the show. It's a perfect show for a small cast. I'm looking forward to next year, they plan to do "The Full Monty" and "The Christmas Story", more quirky, silly, comedy.

The next High School play I'll be attending is this weekend. Science Hill is putting on "Anything Goes." I love Cole Porter. Believe it or not, I've never seen one of his plays. I suppose I need to start somewhere.

A Drizzly Fall Day

2009-11-10T11:22:00.002-05:00

A nice day to be indoors doing anything low key. I love days like this, because being inside working, doesn't make me yearn to be outside. I'm not fond of people who come into where I work and go on and on about what a beautiful day it is outside. First off, I wish I could be out in it enjoying the sunshine and walking my dog, and second, I wonder why the heck the person who thinks it's such a wonderful day is inside. I tell them to go out and enjoy it and stop bothering me, humph.

Thought For The Day

2009-11-09T16:26:00.000-05:00

Why are you so petrified of silence? Here can you handle this........................................................................................................?

Halloween With Friends, Pumpkins, and a Transvestite

2009-11-03T14:00:00.007-05:00

Something To Think About

2009-11-03T11:37:00.000-05:00

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

Scary Stories At The Carter Mansion

2009-10-30T09:54:00.006-05:00

I don't know this man, but I thought it was a good photo (pictures taken from other websites)

I went to the Carter Mansion last night to hear spooky stories with some friends. It was a perfect night, not too cold, but just enough to curl under a blanket for warmth. They told the stories right in front of the cemetery, the light was so low you could barely see the storytellers. The leaves were still falling from the trees when a soft breeze would blow. The best story was about the ghost girl and the funniest one was about the big toe. Imagine finding a big toe in your potato field and then cooking it up for dinner, that's all I'm going to say about that one.

Here's some information on the Carter Mansion:
The Carter Mansion was built around 1780 by John and his son, Landon Carter. It is the oldest frame house in Tennessee. John Carter was elected as Chairman of the Court under the terms of the "Articles" of the Watauga Association. The house is possibly the only remaining link to the Watauga Association and the first government west of the mountains. The house was used as a private residence by the Thomas family up until only a few years ago but three of its rooms still retain their original wall finishes including an original mural in an upstairs room. The Carters are buried in a small family cemetery to the east of the mansion. The site is now maintained by the Tennessee State Parks.

Christmas Trees Already??

2009-10-30T09:16:00.007-05:00

It is way too early to decorate Christmas trees, but that is exactly what I did last Sun. The club I'm in is already getting prepared for the Festival Of Trees and the Night of Lights Gala at the Hands On Museum. We do this every year to support the museum. This year the theme is Seasonal Soiree. I usually go with the theme, and I'm the tree designer, so they have to do what I say, ha ha ha. In the past I've designed a Broadway themed tree, a pink and silver tree with items for a woman to pamper herself, a tree made with homemade salt dough ornaments, and this year we did a Mardi Gras tree and wreath. Here are a few pictures, I'll add more later.

2009 Fall Photos From The Train & Doing A Star Pose In The Cranberry Patch

2009-10-24T09:58:00.010-05:00

Muppet Hawaiian War Chant

2009-10-23T09:21:00.002-05:00

I've been playing the Hawaiian records I recorded during my yoga classes. One of the songs on the record is the Hawaiian War Chant. Every time this song plays I think of the skit on the Muppets. Hope this gives you a laugh, or at least a smile.

Happy Friday!!!

Wordless Wednesday- Luray Cabin Decor

2009-10-21T13:49:00.003-05:00

Train Ride Through The Doe River Gorge

2009-10-19T12:51:00.006-05:00

I don't know much about this train ride except that before the 1950's it went through the Doe River Gorge all the way to Boone, NC, and it used to be called Tweetsie Railroad. We went on a small diesel train through part of the gorge with our friends last Sun. The colors are at peak and I got a few nice pictures, I'll post soon. Learn more about the history, click HERE.

Cousin Reunion in Luray, Virginia 2009

2009-10-14T14:10:00.015-05:00

Pronounced Loo-Ray.

We had a fun time last weekend with all my cousins on my Mother's side of the family (only one couldn't come because of school). We did a little site seeing in the Luray Caverns and the Shenandoah National Park. We also had some wonderful home cooked meals, campfires next to the river, and played games such as ping pong, a cool National Park puzzle, and Taboo.

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Rubber Ducky I'm Awfully Fond Of You

2009-10-14T12:23:00.004-05:00

Here's a little article about taking a bath, something I've enjoyed doing ever since I was a little girl. When I was little I had very long hair. I had to take a bath every night and when it came time for me to wash my hair I would call out to my Mother to help me. It became a running joke in the family because I'd always shout a command and my Mother's response at the same time, "Mommy I need you, ... what forororor?"

When you add a bit of art, science, and ritual, taking a bath is much more than getting clean—it's balneotherapy. A form of therapeutic bathing, balneotherapy has been practiced since the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans to preserve health and treat a range of ailments from injuries to eczema. Like yoga, it's also a great way to melt away stress and bring the body back into a more balanced state. "Submersion in warm water calms the physiological part of the fight-or-flight response," says Jonathan P. DeVierville, vice president of the International Society of Medical Hydrology and Climatology and director of the Alamo Plaza Spa in San Antonio, Texas. In other words, as you soak in the tub, your blood vessels dilate, your circulation increases, your muscles relax, and your nervous system chills out.

Some of my bath time favorites are Avon Bubble Bath, Body Shop Coconut Scrub, and reading Entertainment Magazine.

2009 Erwin Apple Festival

2009-10-05T09:43:00.004-05:00

I had to work the entire Apple Festival this year. I mainly took the money for parking, $5 donations that go towards the library. Some of the treasures I bought included loads of yummy fried fruit pies. The first one I bought was too slimy, so I tossed that one and found a vendor who knew what they were doing. I also bought a raisin bread soy candle, a loaf of olive bread, fried green tomatoes, three pottery mugs that happened to be seconds (but still look and work great), plastic soap satchels for my little bits of soap, and six McDonald's glasses featuring the Great Muppet Caper. I'd say it was a pretty successful festival. I got some good food and some nice little treasures. The library didn't do too bad either, racking in over $400 for parking and a bit more from the used book sale.

Yesterday Ben and my friend Nancy and I went up to Roan Mountain and picked apples at an old farm. I guess I'll have to go to Kroger's tonight and get some ready made refrigerated pie dough to make some tasty apple treats.

Evensong

2009-09-28T13:42:00.003-05:00

While Ben and his Dad were winning a golf tournament yesterday, I went to my church for Evensong. I'd never been before, and I really enjoyed it. If you're interested in what it's all about, I found this on Wikipedia:

Evening Prayer is a liturgy in the Episcopal Church and celebrated in the late afternoon or evening. It is also commonly known as Evensong, especially (but not exclusively) when the office is rendered chorally (that is, when most of the service is sung). It is roughly the equivalent of Vespers in the Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran churches, although it was originally formed by combining the Roman Catholic offices of Vespers and Compline. Although many churches now take their services from Common Worship or other modern prayer books, if a church has a choir, Choral Evensong from the Book of Common Prayer often remains in use because of the greater musical provision. Evening Prayer, like Morning Prayer (Mattins) and in contrast to the Eucharist, may be led by a layperson.

Just Direct Your Feet, To The Sunny Side Of The Street

2009-09-23T09:59:00.005-05:00

I was listening to Miss Keely Smith this morning while practicing yoga. I finished my practice laying on the floor in Savasana (relaxation or corpse pose) with Autumn Leaves. As I got up to finish getting ready for work, Sunny Side Of The Street started playing, and it just got me dancing and singing, and has been on my brain ever since.

Grab your coat and get your hat. Leave your worries on the doorstep, Life can be so sweet, On the sunny side of the street. Can't you hear the pitter-pat, And that happy tune is your step, Life can be complete, On the sunny side of the street. I used to walk in the shade with my blues on parade, But Im not afraid...this rover's crossed over. If I never had a cent, I'd be rich as Rockefeller, Gold dust at my feet, On the sunny side of the street.

Tybee Island and Savannah Georgia

2009-09-17T10:58:00.009-05:00

We had a lovely long weekend on Tybee Island, Ga. The weather was perfect, the bugs weren't bad, and the seafood was delicious. We visited the Tybee Island lighthouse, did a self walking tour of the historic homes and squares of Savannah, toured the Juliette Gordon Low (the founder of Girl Scouts in America) birthplace, toured Fort Pulaski, did some bird watching on the beach, and had one of the most peaceful and relaxing vacations in a very long time.

What I've Been Listening To

2009-09-17T10:08:00.005-05:00

Occasionally I like to post a few albums that I happen to be listening to at the moment. Right now I'm digging some cool old vinyl records that belonged to Ben's grandma. She must have loved Hawaiian music, because I found a half dozen in her collection, mostly Don Ho. Grandma Margaret visited Hawaii in the 50's/60's and it must have been a wonderful time to be there. Air travel was still new, stylish, and adventurous, the islands were less developed and very exotic, they still presented people with fresh flower leis and Hawaiian music was the in thing. These are my current favorites:Album notes on the above album: The beautiful music of Polynesia, including Hawaii, has many surprises. At its best,as in this superbly recorded and arranged package, it represents a fusion of the melodic approach of American popular music with the rhythm of the Latin American countries. Similarly, this unusual and brilliant album contains many surprises. Who would think that The Hawaiian War Chant, for example would make a perfect cha-cha? Would you believe, without hearing it, that Now /s The Hour could be played in three-quarter time, and yet not sound like a "waltz" in the traditional Viennese sense? Through the imagination of George Gates, these and many other musical miracles have been achieved. "Now Is The Hour," for example, keeps that same distinctly latin percussive pulse which, although in three-quarter time,completely removes the feeling of a waltz.
The foundation for all these exciting performances is provided by nearly a score of percussion instruments, some familiar, such as the tympani marimbas and xylophones; some exotic, including the Uli Uli, the Pu Hi, and the Boo-Bams. (A detailed list of all of the percussion is to be found below). Two noteworthy contributions to the melody elements should be mentioned: that of Buddy Cole, who used his Nova chord so effectively, sometimes as a "string section" other times as part of the percussion effect, and often as the melody instrument; the other, the deft use of three soprano voices in combination witii an alto flute, in such numbers as The Wedding Song, Beyond The Reef and, of course, Aloha Oe, without whichone could hardly depart from this musical visit to those romantic islands. The soloist,Norma Zimmer, incidentally, was also the lovely voice which sung the obligate on George Gates' famous recording of Moonglow, with the added theme from Picnic.These elements, carefully planned and beautifully executed, add up to a stereo-hi-fi delight.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-09T13:04:00.003-05:00

Tybee Island dreaming, we'll be there in 2 days!!

More Pictures of Dollywood and the Smokies

2009-09-03T19:24:00.009-05:00

Here are some mighty big old growth trees we saw on our 8 mile hike in the Smokies to Ramsay Cascades.
Sunset along the Foothills Parkway.
A replica of Dolly's Tennessee Mountain Home.

Inside Dolly's home on wheels. This is her bedroom/dressing room.

Dollywood With Our Neighbor Friends

2009-09-03T10:36:00.007-05:00

More Roan Mountain Pictures With Friends

2009-08-28T13:33:00.006-05:00

Summer's Not Over Yet

2009-08-25T09:51:00.003-05:00

I keep hearing, especially from friends who have kids, that summer is over. I beg to differ. I still haven't taken my beach vacation yet, so I hope that summer stays around a little longer, (at least until mid September.) In a couple of weeks we are headed to Tybee Island, Ga. to either lounge on the beach, or in our room, depending on the weather. Regardless of the weather we'll be eating lots of good seafood and touring around Savannah. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions of where to go?
To prepare ourselves for the beach, Ben is going on a monster long hike today, and I've been doing my Denise Austin DVD, Yoga Buns.

Goats On The Roan

2009-08-19T09:35:00.011-05:00

This was my third trip up to the balds on Roan Mountain to try to see the goats, I guess the third time is a charm. Here's the article about what they're doing: http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/jul/30/grazing-goats-could-be-key-to-preserving-grassy-ba/

Heading Up To Roan Mountain

2009-08-14T10:01:00.003-05:00

It's been an interesting week, and I plan to head up to beautiful Roan Mountain with my husband to meet some old friends this weekend. My best friend from High School met and married one of Ben's best friends. Which makes it very handy when we all get together. They're bringing their 2 kids, and we'll all be staying at a cabin in the state park.

Looking forward to getting away because I've been agonizing for weeks about quiting the YMCA where I've been teaching yoga for the past year and a half. I hate to leave my students, but I don't want to take a mandatory class that the Y is requiring. I've been trying to quit, but they keep roping back, and finally I just did it. It's a load off my mind, but I know I'll miss it.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

2009-08-13T12:58:00.006-05:00

One of the things Ben wanted to do this summer was go to a Johnson City Cardinals baseball game. We went with a few friends last night. We bought some peanuts, a few slices of cheese pizza, and a diet Coke. There was the shouting fan, who happened to be an old gray haired lady. I didn't believe Ben at first when he said the little old lady in a purple jacket was the one doing all the shouting. Anyway, we had a good time, watching the game, the fans, the silly races on the field, the mascot, the chicken dancing, and cheering trying to get a plastic mug (that was me.) I didn't get the mug, but I got a pen, and my friend bought me a souvenir Cardinals baseball for a consolation prize.

Julia's

2009-08-11T12:07:00.004-05:00

So if you haven't already guessed, the pictures below are of Julia Child's kitchen in Cambridge, Mass. It was donated to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in D.C. I took Ben to see it last Christmas with my sister's family. He went with me to the Julie & Julia movie and we both enjoyed it. I liked the Julia part of the movie in France the best. Meryl Streep does a wonderful job acting like Julia. I finished the book yesterday, and it really gave me an appreciation for what these two women were able to accomplish with cooking.... and as Julia would say, "above all, have a good time." This coming from someone who doesn't cook much except baking and preparing salads and starters, but I have fun with that. As many of you know my husband is the real cook in the family.

Guess Who's Kitchen This Is?

2009-08-07T07:19:00.002-05:00

My Sister and Nephew Kick Ass

2009-08-06T18:53:00.010-05:00

Back in June I took a trip up to Springfield, VA with my Dad to visit my sister's family. Mostly I went to pick up a Subaru Outback my brother-in-law was selling us and to see my sister and nephew get their black belts in Tae Kwon Do. These are the pictures from that event.