Smile on our Faces

Linville Gorge - GORGEOUS

Arencha jealous? Almost all the trees look like this or completely golden. It is a color spectacular around here right now. Actually, we're almost over that part because the wind has added its dimension to the picture and it'll be raining this week as most of the leaves will hit the ground. But it has just been beautiful and a real treat after our very WET summer.

Such a gorgeous palette of color!
These pictures are courtesy of Ray's Weather site. They always have such gorgeous donations, it seems a shame not to share them!
Paul & I have just been busy as little bees ... the weekend flew by! Paul refereed some soccer, one game of which I actually got to see yesterday. It was so entirely wonderful to sit outside in the sunshine and watch the world go by. There was a soccer game to watch too if one was so inclined. I was just busy watching the cute ref waving his flag around. (tee hee)
We have begun putting out bids for the building so we're hoping to see that up and standing tall shortly. That is our number one project. Number two project is getting an electrician to FINALLY do the wiring work that will separate the kitchen from the rest of the house ... the upstairs from the downstairs (you'll be able to use a hair dryer now, girls) and the bathroom from everything else. I'm so excited about this!!! It means we can always plug in a heater if we want to. MY DREAM COME TRUE!!!!! Third project is getting the plumber to come over and properly install the claw foot tub parts, as well as switch out the lead pipes(!) for modern ones. We are so hoping this will take place before the lead poisoning has occurred. Will keep you posted! We will also get new and improved flexible piping for the freeze and thaw action that is so prominent around here for 6 months out of the year. Fourth, deciding on boiler heat or forced air heat. DECISIONS, DECISIONS!!!! I can't wait to begin posting pictures of all of this stuff because it will mean the updates have been made!!!!! YEEHAW and YEAHOO!!!!
Christmas tree season begins this weekend, so Paul will have a good 5 - 6 weeks of work coming now. YEAH!!!!! And he's scheduled to drive the tractor, so amen to that! His knees are in horrible shape. Reminds me of Festus from Gunsmoke the way he limps and groans. Guess we'll have to address that sooner than later now.
We'd like to have the building up and running by January 1 so we can start the new year with a new slate and some work - God willing!!!!! Hopefully there will be a little room in the back of it to partition it off and have a "studio" for the pottery kiln, a place for cutting mosaic materials and warping yarn ... you get the picture. If that fails, we'll abandon the welding shop plan and open a dance studio! SOMETHING will have to work! Starving and being destitute is NOT an option! :-)
There are oogogs of birthdays coming around this week. First and foremost, my sister Cyndie has a birthday on Thursday, the 29th. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY CYNDIE. Hope your dearest wish comes true.
Sue, who I work with at the real estate office, has a birthday on Thursday as well. Stefanie who owned the studio where I taught in Newland for a couple of years, has a birthday on Wednesday. I'm sure you two ladies will have a wonderful day filled with all kinds of treats!
I'm teaching a lot of dance at Crossnore now that the season is back in session. I teach Monday and Thursday evenings and Saturday morning/afternoons. I'm sore and tired! I'm hoping for that part to wear itself out so I can move through it and get over myself! I get to have a root canal Wednesday morning and would appreciate any spare good thoughts you might be able to forward my way. We have to go all the way to Johnson City to find an Endodontist. AND I have to be there by 9 AM! That could be a major miracle in itself! HA!
My sweet boss is very sick. He is hanging in there but could use any extra prayers and good thoughts you have sitting around. His name is Hugh. If you can, please think positive and happy thoughts for him as he gets through this "phase" of his healing program. He is such an amazing man and has given so much to so many. He is always serving on Boards of Directors in the community, giving his time and resources and doing more than his share to keep the community and the Club on the right path. Now it's his turn to receive. Blessings for you, Hugh. Gobs and gobs of them. And buckets filled with love.
My great friend Donna Taylor was scheduled to ride in the 'Live Strong' bicycle ride yesterday with her daughter and daughter's friend, Shelly and Erin in San Antonio, TX. They were riding in memory of Donna's first husband and Shelly's dad, Rod Taylor ... who was another amazing man, from Orlando. I can't wait to hear all the details!!!!! Hope it went well Donna!
Haven't heard much about the grandboys and their Halloween plans. HELLO????? Anyone going trick or treating? I need to know the themes of costumes so I can contribute ..... if anyone has seen these children or knows of their plans, please let me know! Thanks!
OK ... off to work now. Have miles to go before I'm done!!!!
Happy Trails!
Paul & Cheri