Sheep

 Our last beautiful sunflower of the year.  Goodness knows, we had zillions.  Farewell sunflowers, til next year!

Meet Sheep!  This most adorable little guy was born at Jerry & Sandy Gwynn's house (across the street).  He's chosen us as his adopta-home.  He is the sweetest little fella, loves to be stroked and loved on and would give ANYTHING to get inside and play with Artemis and Spartacus.  And I would let him inside but I'm afraid they might tear him apart.  They talk to each other through the screen door for hours.  I'm working on something to solve this because I sure don't want this little guy outside in the brutal winter.  Currently he is an unnuetered male (tom cat).  So we'll have to "fix" him to bring him inside.  Apparently he was named "Sheep" because he looked like a baby sheep when he was born.  And according to Jerry, he gets fed because the Sunday school lesson was about Jesus feeding (always) his sheep.  Jerry sees this little guy as his sheep, so he feeds him.  We feed him too sometimes.  And he's finds his own meals, mostly butterflies and moths.  SO ... there you have it!  (We can't name him Ninja Kitty, Nina. sorry. He already has his name!)

Fall is settling in fast and furious.  The leaves are rapidly turning now.  The weather is turning to cooler and the rain is on its way.  Dadgummit! I was having such a lovely time with blue skies, milder temps and lovely days.  Oh well ... guess I'll just have to put on my big girl panties and get on with it!  Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 50's and rainy ALL DAY.  Shoot!

We have a couple of projects going on:  kitchen floor poly coating, dining room wall paper, finishing the studio, and some other piddly things too numerous to mention.  As the restaurant hours decrease, the projects will get checked off (I hope) before the winter is firmly set in.  My fingers are crossed anyway!  We are very close to pouring the concrete pad on the block for the building.  THAT will be a good day!  We apparently like to stretch things out around here!  REALLY enjoy the process and study each level of progress.  I bet our neighbors think we're nuts, but ... if they only knew!

The Periwinkle Pass Studio is moving in to the Mother's Nature's space in downtown Elk Park.  Mother Nature's is moving down to Roan Mountain.  When Periwinkle Pass moves, I'll be working in there some.  Much closer to home for the winter!  YAY!  PLUS, it will give me a place to display my art work and a network outside of the house.  The Avery Arts Council has invited me to display some of my stuff in their gallery too. (so excited!) Shannon and I are going to do another art show in October (the 9th) in Tennessee at some Festival.  One more opportunity to make a few dollars and meet some more people before the weather is too cold to do it!

Sweet Hugh has been sent to Bowman Grey in Winston-Salem for some intensive treatment.  If you can, please send him some good thoughts and strong prayers.  I know he'd appreciate that.  As of yesterday, he was tired but in good spirits and resting well.

Little Italy has changed its hours.  That means a couple of things:

1. The summer residents and tourists are headed back to where ever it is they came from and,

2. Paul & I will be working at the restaurant less.

This will allow us to do a bit of visiting, socializing, traveling, resting and home work. It's been fun this summer meeting all those folks and pouring all those glasses of wine.  But I'll be VERY glad to get a break and rest up ... and get to visit the kids and etc.  You just never know what adventure you're going to get to have in life, huh?

Well, that's about all I can think of to document this morning.  AND my coffee cup is empty so ...

must go ... work to do! Places to go! People to see!  Coffee cup to refill!

Happy Weekend to all ....

Paul & Cheri

And so I ask you ...

On top of the Hump Mountain last Wed.

I've been working on a wordy post in my head for a few days.  This is the day to write it seems.  Not even about the post I've been composing, but this will do anyway.  The day is beautiful ... BLUE BLUE sky, mild temperature, slight breeze in a happy universe.  But Spartacus and I are anxious and antsy.  I wonder if this is a question, a lesson, or an annoyance of random proportion ... but this is the story of my morning in my own words!

I was happily emailing away when I realized that Spartacus was growling his head off.  He only does that when he wants to me handle the situation.  I went to the window to see what he was annoyed about and heard a man talking (loudly - obviously cell yell syndrome) but I couldn't see him.  Then I heard a fit of dog barking ... a REAL fit.  So, I went to the front door to look out to see what all the fuss was about.

I saw a pickup truck parked fully in the yard --- not on the street --- it had truly gotten over in the grass pretty close to the Saab, like maybe he was going to pop the hood and check out a problem or something, but  we are quite used to folks parking and looking at the Saab, so I really thought he was just having a look-see.  Although, most people park on the edge of the street, not fully in our yard.  THEN I saw/heard his hound dog run up to him, leash dangling as he bent over to pet the fella and proclaimed "good boy! Did you get that cat?"  WELL ... party OVER!  I had to go put on my bra because it was 9:00 AM and I was still in my jammies with my coffee cup glued to my hand.  But that all changed!

I went flying out the front door, beelined my red headed self straight to the man and stood glaring at him until he excused his loud mouthed self from the phone call and said in his red neck drawl "good morning" like a good ole' southern gentleman.  But I already knew he was in disguise because I caught the moron red handed.  So, I asked him if he was stuck or having some sort of trouble with his truck.  He said no, he'd stopped to answer a phone call and his dog escaped from the back of the truck when he saw "that cat". (he was talking about our little Siamese adopt-a-kitty who has basically taken up residency here) I explained to him that it was rude to release a hound dog on someone else's property to chase the cat that LIVES at the house.  That it was rude to park in some one's yard without their permission, and furthermore it was rude to talk loud enough to raise the dead, which at 9:00 am that is EXACTLY what he did since I work nights and that he had a phone for amplification, he did not need to scream as well! I explained that I thought it best if he moved on.  He said he was sorry ("sorry about that, ma'am"), he collected his leash dangling hound dog in to his phallic symbol big duely truck with a Sheriff Frye sticker on the rear window, took his loud mouth and his cell phone and left.  Bye-bye.

Best news is, the kitty just wandered back on to the porch and told me the whole story from his point of view, and I was truly glad to listen!  It was a traumatic morning for all of us here.

Now I ask you, because I am seriously struggling with this: was that just a random idiot wandering through Elk Park? I'm fairly certain he was in law enforcement by the conversation he was having on the phone, which was sheer and malicious gossip; OR was there a lesson in there (like don't gossip on a cell phone when you yell because other people will hear yours and other's business); OR was it meant to be the question of the day: What just happened?  Spartacus and I are all in a tither.

OK, turning the page and getting on to bigger and better things. 

Random full moon approaching behavior, I guess!

Happy Monday,

Cheri and Spartacus

Mid Week

It's been busy!

Father and daughter at the lake doing whatever it is they wanted to do!

Nina discovering how much force you have to use to press apples!

Nina and Paul pressing the apples they picked!

Long way to go here!

Plenty of apple juice --- turned out 5 gallons in one session - not bad!

He keeps telling me he is evolving ...

REALLY?

Nina!

Homemade apple juice --- soon(er or later) to be cider

Nina & Paul are in to Geocaching.  Most of their plans include going to a cache or two (or ten).  This is a waterfall in Newland by which I measure the outside temperature in the winter.  Frozen in mid air is when I determine it is FREEZING!  You get the idea ... apparently there were caches here, so they spent a good bit of time climbing and finding treasure.  Made them both HAPPY! Yay!

GPS - necessary caching tool apparently!

The weather could NOT have been more perfect for Nina's visit.  It has been simply GORGEOUS and splendid mountain weather.  I'm not sure what Paul is presenting here ... but they walked through an old railway tunnel around here some place ... and climbed amongst the rocks on the river.  Sounded as though they had a wonderful play day.  They're having another one today! Hiking "The Hump" where Paul & I had our Father's Day hike.  Beautiful day for it!

Paul, in junk bliss!

 Nina,unfortunately,has to leave this evening. Boo!  But there will be more photos today I am sure.  Until later, happy trails and safe journeys!

Paul & Cheri and Nina!

Mid Week, I think

I am not at all certain if it's Wednesday, but I think it is. Einstein was a big supporter of the whole "why memorize something you can look up" and take up all those brain cells.  Save them for needed information! I guess at some point, I'll go to the calendar to figure out the day.  Einstein is one of my heros.  Tinkerbell is another.  Explains a few things, huh?

It's a rainy, grey day.  The kind that makes you want to stay in bed the whole day long!  But, we all know that doesn't happen around here.  I am waiting for my energy to build so I can prepare for our upcoming visit from Nina!  She arrives Friday evening.  And we are very looking forward to her visit.  Somehow, my energy hasn't heard about it yet.  And my old standby, french pressed coffee with honey and cream, didn't seem to work either. Hmmmm.  This ole' grey mare just ain't what she used to be. Dang!  Apparently, neither is the old stallion!  When, I often ponder, did all this change take place?  I certainly wasn't looking.   Geez!

Fall is absolutely upon us here.  Paul begins reffing soccer for the wee folks next week.  He'll do under 8's and under 10's - or something like that..  Monday and Tuesdays.  Soccer is always the marker for fall here for me.  As I am looking out the windows this morning I notice the leaves are beginning to change color ... seems like it's a bit early but that is in line with what the entire season as been like! Everything has been early, by about one month. The day lillies, the black-eyed susans, the veggies, the apples and the heat.  We were just very ahead of ourselves this year.  Extreme winter cold and snow, extreme summer heat.  Wonder what mother nature has in store for us this coming year!??!

* Our (Paul's sister's son) nephew Hayden had a birthday on the 3rd.  Happy Birthday, albeit a tad belated, to you Hayden! Hope it was absolutely fabulous! 

*My sister-in-law has a birthday on the 16th.  Happy Birthday Debbie!

*The cook, Angelia, at the restaurant was blessed with a new grandson yesterday afternoon! Congratulations to all of you!  And you can check out the restaurant website at http://www.fabioandhis4kids.com/ although there will not be pictures of the baby on there!

*The agricultural fair is in town this week and ... it is raining.  Boo! Hopefully it will clear up tomorrow!  At least we aren't going through what Texas is with Hermine.  Best of luck and good wishes to all of you Texans who are battling the storm!

*Shannon and I are looking for some fall art festivals and shows to participate in.... if you know of any, please let us know!  Minus the Wooly Worm Festival please!

*Our friend Mark got through his recent surgery and is mending with great strides and grace! YAY!

*If you would like to attend the next wine & food pairing dinner at Fabio's it will be Sept. 23rd.  Call the restaurant for reservations at 828-733-1314.

*Labor Day has come and gone so most of the visitors to our area are out of here until the leaves present their spectacular color changing show - and then snow comes and the skiers arrive in town.  Makes life a lot slower and calmer around here when the tourists take their break.  The tree farms will now pick up activity getting trees ready for the season. 

The following picture is our visiting kitty.  He (I think) is just a kitten, and has decided he prefers to hang out here instead of whereever it is he lives.  He loves our butterfly bush and I find desacrated butterflies every place.  He sleeps on the chairs that are pushed up under the table out front.  And he talks to my kitties on the other side of the front storm door for hours.  Spartacus will fall asleep inside the door and the visitor falls asleep outside the door ... but they are positioned looking at each other on their individual mats.  Animals are such a good example for every one getting along!  With all the world news so dreary, I'd much rather report on visiting cats, wouldn't you?

Hope your week (what's left of it) is fabulous and filled with joy and laughter.  Oh, and blessings! Lots of blessings!

Happy trails,

Paul & Cheri

Still have our sense of humor

Sunday night we had a B.I.G. wine and food pairing dinner at the restaurant.  It was big enough to use BOTH restaurants and still not have much room to walk.  Everyone who came to eat and taste wine had a lovely time.  All of us who were involved with putting on the gig had fun just watching the customers have fun.  There were, however, some very over the top patrons.  I'm quite sure they ended up with a heck of a headache yesterday.

Speaking of yesterday ... it was simply GORGEOUS here in the mountains.  The weather was magnificent with high temps only in the low 70's.  Lots of folks showed up to eat at the restaurant.  MOST everyone had a lovely attitude, and a grateful, happy demeanor.  Too bad that one bad apple spoils the whole barrel sometimes.  We do our best to keep our sense of humor about us when someone is too important to wait his/her turn.  (Happy Labor Day to you too, pal.)  At any rate, it was a good day!

Will be back tomorrow for a real post for mid week.  Just couldn't wait any longer to post this scenario of Paul and his new hair!!!  Who wouldn't be happy with this man around?!?

Cheers!

Paul & Cheri

Mid Week

We - Paul and I - have begun managing the cafe/bistro for Fabio. Little Italy is open from 3 - 9 pm Monday thru Saturday. We are trying to figure out what works best for our schedules and energy levels. It's a very interesting, entertaining and labor intensive undertaking! Visit the website if you "need to know" more about the business, the restaurants and etc., www.fabioandhis4kids.com.

Also, there is a food & wine pairing dinner this Sunday at 6:30 for 70 people. Whew!

This is the "bar" area, where you can belly right up and have a glass of wine!

The work station, where we spend most of our time

Penelope, the youngest of Fabio's beautiful 4 children.

Tiffany, who entertained the customers on Monday with her violin playing ... bravo!

left to right, Penelope, Fabio Jr, and Tiffany

And left to right, Fabio (owner/chef/friend) and his youngest, Penelope

Monday was Janine's birthday (left to right, Janine and Freddie, her sister). Freddie brought Janine in for a Flounder dinner for her birthday! Happy birthday, Janine! :-)
Charles came by yesterday with his Sabrina, and they finished the front "new" yard!!! There is now seed and straw on the dirt. Hopefully we will get a few rain drops from the hurricane that is expected to hit the coast and we'll get some grass growing! Thanks Charles and Sabrina!!!!

In other news, Paul had a bit of a pancreatitis attack last Wednesday. He's feeling all kinds of better now and we're very glad to have gotten to the bottom of the reason for the pain, and found some help for him! He's much happier now! ;-)

Periwinkle Pass Studio (www.periwinklepass.com) is moving to a much bigger space in downtown Elk Park and I will be trying to do all I can to help with that project. I hope to be running the shop one day per week and hanging my art there as our (Clayzaics) contract with BJ's expires next month and I will be putting my inventory in a new location. Fingers crossed! I have been selling some of my art- SO exciting!!!

I noticed this morning the leaves are beginning to change and fall a little bit. Boo! I'm going for denial that the weather is changing, but it's in the low 50's by sunrise and a bit chilly. I know winter will come, I'm just hoping it takes its sweet time. The cats and I are so enjoying the beautiful weather, opened windows, being without a sweater/jacket, and sunshine-y blue skies. Autumn skies are gorgeous, and every star in the solar system was shining last night. At one point Paul looked up, stopped in his tracks, and just said, "wow" ... it was brilliant with stars and you could see the entire milky way system as if it were in a book. I would be very happy if it just stayed like this!!!

The kids are all doing fine as far as I know, and Paul's parents are well and everyone is in their place and safe and sound ... therein lies all the blessings we could hope for!

Hope your world is safe and sound and you are smothered in blessings!

Happy Mid Week,

Paul & Cheri