Monday, August 21, 2017

Good Eclipse Morning!

Good Eclipse Morning! Already the alerts are rolling in keeping our area informed on traffic. There are a whole lot of extra people around here. There are reports that some of the small towns in the total eclipse zone, while enjoying the financial harvest, might not be enjoying the onslaught of people and their demands. I have two here during this eclipse season and they are a joy to host, my brother and Dena.

Dena arrived on Wednesday and we did what fried chicken loving people do, we headed over to The Blue Rooster after picking her up in Charlotte. We have had a blast doing and going and being. It is so relaxing in the evenings sharing the front porch with friends and family. Thursday we had a change in our plans because of the high threat of rain in the higher elevations. We went to Marshall, Burnsville and Hot Springs. Friday we had a leisurely breakfast and made a trip out to Barber's Orchard and Duckett Produce.

On Saturday, Doug arrived on time just as he said he would. It didn't take us long to get moving out the door to go to the Leicester Studio Tour. First stop, Addison Vineyards because that is where the blacksmith shows his wares. Oh my goodness, his work never disappoints and we all made purchases with him. We went inside the wine tasting building to see the other artist displaying their work. We made our way toward the Big Sandy Mush where the man who makes brooms has his workshop in an old general store. While out that way we stopped at the pottery guy's studio and the wood working studio. The wood one was a little disappointing. We decided lunch was in order so we stopped at one of the sponsoring restaurants and it was closed until further notice. That doesn't bode well for its future. Dena had never eaten at Stoney Knob but Doug had before and liked it. So, it was Weaverville for lunch. Delicious as always and then it was back at it on the tour where we made stops at several other places. Exhausted from laughing and shopping, we came back to the house. Retired to the front porch and enjoyed snacks for supper.

Dena and I went to Sunday School and Doug joined us for church. The ladies in our class love Dena and so we all got caught up with one another. Our Sunday School class is aptly named, The Joy Class. We certainly are filled with joy and enthusiasm. Our pastor is teaching a mini series and stopped in our class to strongly encourage us to stay for his sermon. He looked at me the whole time which didn't bother me at all because I am probably the most guilty of not staying for the service or leaving early before the preaching. But, these last few weeks my absences have been health related. Even with the new A/C it is so hot in the worship center. I was sweating like a pig, although pigs don't sweat, in the choir loft yesterday and the beginning of that light-headed feeling slowly encroached my well being. Doug, Dena and I had made plans to stay for the service yesterday, so being there wasn't as a result of a personal exhortation. Some Sundays I have to choose coming home and tuning into the webcast of First Baptist Houston as my church service. This is all a part of changes I am having to make to keep out of afib which has the risk of a stroke always involved. After church we came home, changed our clothes and headed over to The Fireplace Restaurant for lunch, It did not disappoint! Then onward to The Biltmore Estate where we took in the beauty that envelopes one there. We stopped in at the Inn for a glass of iced tea on the Veranda to conclude our afternoon.

Once we got home it is back onto the porch. Brenda called and asked if she could come over. Of course! She came bearing gifts of jalapeno poppers, a salty candy treat and a birthday cake for Dena. It was all good! And we were blessed that she was able to stay a bit and visit. More laughter that of course ensured a good night's rest, well that and all the fat calories we consumed.

There are details of our days that I will come back to when they have returned to their homes. We have had so much fun!

Today, we are sticking close to home because of all the eclipse traffic. I better get moving and onto the store. We are grilling steaks tonight.

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