The forecast didn't seem to call for rain but this evening while getting things out of the truck the sky to the north looked mildly dark and maybe full of rain. The roll of thunder in the distance and the beginnings of light rain hit the deck and ground, not enough to produce a beat, but enough to know there is moisture in the air. I was glad to be home and Buddy sound asleep on the porch. Rain has been hanging around all week and made appearances in the afternoon or late afternoon. It worked with our schedule though.
It has been a fun and full week. Lisa P flew in Saturday and I went to pick her up in Charlotte. We had been planning for weeks and I didn't mention it to anyone until I had to. Since Saturday was my birthday and her arrival was the celebration it was a very good way to start off the new birthday year. Although there was a little scare to the story because American Airlines cancelled her flight but with phone calls and persistence Lisa was booked on an earlier flight. We were all thankful for that. Our first stop was Good Wood Pizza in Lincolnton. Don't go if you want table cloths and silver but if you want delicious pizza and fun conversations with the fine folks making the pizza, you'll love it! They grown the wheat and millet that makes the crust and it has beaten out gas station pizza as my favorite pizza. After delicious pizza we made our way to Marilyn's Sweet Addictions...the name is perfect because there are plenty of addictions to choose from. Lisa and I made some good selections and then went back into the downtown area to check out The Meating Place and to look through Vintage Rescues.
Sunday morning we went to church. One of the reasons I hadn't told anyone that Lisa was coming totally originated out of selfish reasons. She is so restricted when she knows she has to sing and so I came to the decision not to mention her arrival. She did sing in the choir though and it was a joy to have her there. After church we came home and ate a sandwich and then hit the road or rather the parkway. We had a splendid time going up to Mt Mitchell. The day was just perfect for a convertible ride to the highest point east of the Mississippi. I am sure all those on the road enjoyed all our singing along with oldies, goodies and spiritual songs. We had a few drops of rain but nothing that stopped us. We had tickets to see Chihuly at Biltmore, so we headed that direction. La Cantina had a long wait so we headed over to Whole Foods for a little din din. The good thing about that stop is discovering that Whole Foods carries Topo Chico...at at steep price but they have it with a twist of lime.
At the Biltmore I did a first...parked in the parking lot for the shuttle to the house. Since we stayed there in the past at the Inn, we always took the shuttle. Since moving here, I rarely go to the house anymore, so no need to park. It wasn't too bad of an experience but dang, there were so many people. The heat and the constant crowd wore me down. The exhibit is beautiful though.
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Monday morning, enjoying a cup of coffee and Buddy is enjoying a porch nap. Cali and Riley are playing on the deck...it is a quiet morning. No real schedule. Stuff to do of course, but I love this time to think back on this past week and how much it has meant to me. Since Lisa and I had things we wanted to do and see, we didn't build much relaxing time into the schedule but of course we did have time in the evenings to sit on the porch or while we watched one of our favorite shows on TV.
Last Monday, Lisa and I had a laid back morning and then headed over toward Waynesville. We went to Robin Blu and Hazelwood Soap Company. And if it is Monday and you are in that area, lunch is at The Blue Rooster because you know, fried chicken is the special of the day. Deliciousness personified. You might think the best part of that lunch was the food and yes, it is a big part, but since we came after the lunch rush we were able to visit with my friend who works there. What an encouragement and our words spurred each other onward. The Lord is so good even when we don't understand the happenings of life, we can trust Him. After our late lunch, we decided to head out on the parkway instead of going to Barber's Orchard. What a lovely drive. At Devil's Courthouse, we talked to two young women who had just hiked to the top. They were enthusiastic for our hike to see the beauty and we just asked to see some pictures from their time at the top. One goes to NC State and the other young woman attends the Art Institute of Chicago. We left the parkway on 215, stopped at the waterfall and marveled at the beauty that the Lord has created.
Tuesday morning we had reserved places for the Carolina Bison Tour. Brenda was able to come with us as she has been wanting to do the tour just about as much as I have. Very well done and so informative. I drive by there at least once a week and now knowing the lay of the land and their approach to research and providing local sourced products is compelling. The three of us then went to lunch at Turkey Creek, then Lisa and I were off to an exciting trip to the grocery store. Tuesday evening was book club to discuss our read, "Delicious," Good discussion and great gingerbread cake made from a recipe in the book.
Wednesday found us off early to Mountain View Store in TN. I had ordered some things and they were in. We also took the opportunity to pick up some lovely baked goods and snacks. Back home, changed to the convertible and we were off to Grandfather Mountain. First we stopped for lunch at The Italian Restaurant. We went to the bridge first thing upon arriving at GFM. Lisa didn't go over the bridge but she got on it and she made huge progress since her first visit last September. We drove down the mountain to the song Overcomer. Stopped in at the gift shop and got out to the car just in time to put up the top before the heavens declared the glory of God through rain. It was a heavy rain and we drove out of it but encountered it once again in Burnsville. I told Lisa we probably would since that seems to be a rain conduit. We sang once again and prayed through the rain to arrive home safely. For this we are thankful.
Thursday...well, it was a sad/happy day. Sad for Lisa going home but happy to spend a little more time together before her flight. We decided to leave a little early so that we could go back to Good Wood Pizza and Marilyn's. On the way home I stopped in at Barnes and Noble to help celebrate National Book Day. So, I bought a book and a couple of magazines, then returned home to find our book club's next selection in the mailbox.
So, this is a morning's rest but now it is time to get busy around here.
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