Mid Week update

From the top of Beech Mountain ... you can see forever. This is a little misty, but so exquisite!

Another view. The rain has given us such a lush, green season. It is breath taking!

You can tell I'm trying every angle! Just can't get enough of the views from up here ...

This is why we were on top of Beech Mountain!! Paul spotted a weaving loom for sale that was being sold by a family who was moving to Idaho (!). "Dr. Keith" is going for his post doctorate and we won the prize for his not having enough room for everything! He has several more looms so I didn't feel terrible about getting this one! However, now that I have it, I need to learn to weave!! AND we need to figure out HOW to get this put together. It is kind of a torture to have it in the living room in this state knowing that it's there and not being able to do anything with it. Guess if I get tortured enough, I'll just figure out how to assemble it, huh?

THIS is what I hope to find soon at my house. A Leesburg 4 harness, 6 pedal loom, assembled and ready to weave! Whoo hoo! I found a book to order from a website in a weaver's magazine. The book is a "how to weave on a 4 harness, 6 pedal loom" so I figured it would be appropriate. When I filled out the information sheet it had a question that asked you to fill in, "I am a ______________" ... with the option to fill in the word 'spinner', 'weaver', or 'spinner/weaver'. SO, I declared I am a weaver! Let it be so! What a wonderful future! SO, be prepared for woven goods to go along with the mosaics and such. I'm very hopeful I can live up to that statement. I AM A WEAVER! Paul & I are hoping to make a trip to the Crossnore weaving room to get some hands on, eyes on experience this week/weekend. Maybe we'll also get to see the kids! That would be delightful, as we are not teaching for the summer. :-(

***In other news***

*the hikers (our adopt-a-sons from Mother's day) have logged over 800 miles at last notice (Sunday)!!! Can you believe that!?!

*we are expecting the grandsons to tour our house beginning June 25th for a week or so! I'm so excited I can't stand myself. Poor Paul ... I know he's sick of listening to me babble about it.

*Beth has returned from her trip to Italy and England, safe and sound. She sounds rejuvenated, and ready to take the world by the tail ... or return to Caprice, which ever opportunity presents itself first. We are officially off Bungalow-sitting detail. I like her bungalow, it's kind of a drag when we can't hang out there! She has a resident fox who is just glorious to see! She also has deer and turkeys by the dozens. They don't come and visit us tho. Just Beth.

*It's still raining ... what makes us lush and green ... but I think we might actually have a rain free day or Saturday or Sunday. One can always hope. Whoo hoo!

*Real estate is still slow ... but not completely dead any more. Hallelujah!

*no news on the shift addition for Paul yet ... still have our fingers crossed and our hopes up high. He's been doing all sorts of "odd jobs" for the members here at the club, as well as for our neighbor and the hardware store when they're extra busy. Tuesday night is softball night and even though he isn't playing, he's watching and enjoying it immensely. Last night he came home boasting he'd been holding a 2 week old baby! Dang!

*The side yard is still in crater state. Mother nature has not exactly seen to it to allow us to get out there and change that! We're hoping for this weekend to be the break we've been waiting for on that! Once we get the roots out of the craters, we can fill in the hole ... then order the real fill dirt for leveling it out. Then the cement can be ordered for the pad. Quite the scheduling! The only thing missing is a due date. That allows a lot of procrastination time! It's always easier when you know when the curtain is going up! :-)

*Along with all the outside work, if the weekend is dry I hope to get some grouting done. It is very interesting to try to grout this season. Either it's too cold or too wet so far! I have a craft show in October and I'm beginning to gear up for it ... must capitalize on the dry days to grout. Hope I'm in the right mood. Grouting is NOT a fun thing when you don't feel like doing it!

*The Dancer's Pointe dancers are no doubt beginning to get butterflies in their tummies as they pack their costumes for Nationals in NYC coming up. I am sending you all bunches of hugs and good lucks wishes and although we will not be able to be there in physical body, we will definitely be there in spirit!!! And that goes for you teachers and parents too. We love you all. :-)

***Well, that's about it for the mid week update from the Glovers. ***

Blessings to all,

Paul and Cheri

Goats! Garden! Giant Craters!

The baby goats are arriving! Three born Sunday night! SOOOO cute ...

This gives you a better perspective on their size. They're little things ... not for long tho.

SOOO very precious. Look at these sweet little guys!

There are three, one male and two female. They stay all cuddled up in the corner of the hut and look like one big bundle of baby goat. So sweet.

Here is mommy and in the background is grandma! A real family affair!

Here is Glover Garden 2009 thus far. It has been hard to plant this year because of the rain. However, we're getting some things in and growing. This is corn and potatoes in the foreground.

Zucchini here! YUM!!

Tomatoes and red cabbage

and of course, Paul's pickles :-)

Corn and potatoes again

and red, bell, and sweet peppers

AND a gigantic crater in the yard where a pine tree and a maple tree used to be!

Looks pretty much like a bomb went off, or a space ship landed ...

These are the tree trunks that were pulled out. A friend of Paul's, Otis, came by and did this while we were in Orlando. Nice guy I'll say! Otis works at the Town Hall here in Elk Park. Paul is going to do some iron work for him when the building gets up, so Otis is helping us get that accomplished! He has some HUGE earth movers and such. Nice to know boys with BIG toys around here! Never had this situation in our lives before. Still learning those new things! Now we have to pull all the roots out so we can fill in the holes, level the ground, pour the cement pad and erect the building. Piece of cake (GULP!). All in a day's work!
Just thought you could get caught up with what our week has been like ... stay tuned for more to come, I'm sure!

Happy weekend, FINALLY! We hope to plant the rest of he garden, mow the yard, de-root the crater, clean the house, wash clothes, and see a movie. Hmmmmm. And I'd love to get the kitchen floor painted. Which reminds me, the dishwasher QUIT so Paul went to the restore and found one for $20!!! He installed it yesterday and it works GREAT! Yeah! Always something fun around here ..... what do you do with a blown up dishwasher? Hope that salvage guy is still there - the one who has Beth's old stove and fridge .. maybe he'll take it!

Time to wake up Prince Charming ... happy weekend to all!
Paul & Cheri

Orlando - Ninja style ...

When we landed the storm rolled in. We drove to Pennisu's and Scott's in a HUGE downpour. Nothing like a Florida rain storm ... but there were ducks swimming in the drainage ditches on the side of the expressway! We don't see that around here!

This is Pennisu on her way to work on Friday morning ... although I think I remember the wine bottle being from Thursday night's dinner. AND it was delicious, I might add! (the wine and the dinner) Pennisu is working for the Orange County Commissioner and keeping plenty busy with all her projects and yard stuff. They have a vineyard growing now! Whoo hoo!

This is Chef Scott, maker of all good things ... dinner and some mighty tasty pancakes for breakfast ... let me just say here that Paul was in heaven with the whole pancakes treat! Scott is teaching at Valencia and writing some food critic articles for The Park community paper. a very busy man ... and very creative as well.

And here are the two geniuses at work! Wish you could have seen them programming their telephones ... well, maybe not ... although I do have pictures of it. And truly, it was the morning after a very nice evening of dinner and drink. BUT STILL ... I was ever so entertained. We certainly appreciate PSU and Scott hosting us and allowing us to occupy their guest room for the evening. As a child my parents moved every 2-1/2 years or so for my dad's business. I never understood the intensity of my mom's visiting her friends in previous cities, or her immense happiness when people would come to visit us. NOW I GET IT! There is nothing like reconnecting with good friends after an absense. PSU and Scott, we've truly missed our dinner parties and evenings of silliness. Thank you for letting us revisit that! So nice.

We stayed with Paul's mum and dad. And TRULY appreciated their hospitality and being waited on by Paul's mum hand and foot. It was simply delightful to spend time with them and goes back to understanding my mom's excitement when she got to visit family as well as friends she'd "left behind". Thanks mum and dad for having us and taking such good care of us! And Paul actually got to play golf with his dad, which he truly enjoyed. A real bonus!

We did go to the recital and see the most incredible show that the dancer's from the Dancer's Pointe put on. It was wonderful, as always. Thanks to all the dancers, teachers and staff for working yourselves silly and giving such a perfect performance. I was in tears an awful lot during the show! The idea that all those dancers are still dancing, and how beautifully they are growing up and maturing is a lot for an old retired teacher to digest! So many of them graduated this year ... man! It was also a complete joy to visit with the kids, the parents, and the teachers. OH HOW I MISS THAT WORLD ... not quite the same sitting at a desk waiting for someone who is interested in purchasing real estate ... not the same at all. It's a trade off though, for our lives are simplified to a fine art fit for us. And we're relaxed! Lovely! If anyone has pictures of us being there, please send them to us! I forgot to take my camera, being of sound mind and all that.

It was a perfect traveling trip .... no hitches in flights, or rental cars, or directions, or any of the possible things that could go wrong. We are so grateful for such a wonderful time. Thanks be!

Just one small thing that could be entertaining now that it is over ...

don't forget to check you travel bag for things that might be inside the bag from a different and previous trip or adventure all together. I chose my trail back pack to take with us because we just needed a carry on and it was "just right". But it set off an alarm on the metal detector ... and that required a search. What could that be, I wondered to myself ... and that turned up a BIG buck knife which was left in there from hiking ... last year when we went with the kids. HMMMMMM. Unfortunately the blade measured longer than 3 inches, which is the limit you are allowed to carry ... so now my picture is registered with the airport officials and security in case I choose my back pack to travel with again (or more specifically, my knife). My brother would have been proud as he was an avid knife collector/keeper. I would like to interject that Paul was having the time of his life with this event, no doubt seeing it as his personal entertainment of the week ... I'll have to figure out my retaliation slowly and surely ... and will be accepting suggestions! Please submit your ideas as your earliest convenience!

On Friday night the hikers called from Northern VA to check in. They all sounded great and were excited about moving on. Each of them left a message on the voice mail ... so fun! And I got to talk to "Acorn" and "Tweak" in person. Tweak was our sickest friend, and he is perfectly fine now, so thank goodness for that! We're hoping to get them back for a reunion in a healthier state at the end of their journey so we can treat them to food and celebration.

Time for our rest ... still catching up. You won't believe what's going on in the side yard! (*next post) Paul is installing a wood floor for Barry & Caroline ... always a project!

Blessings to all,

Paul & Cheri

Den/Library Renovation - Before and After

This is what she looked like the day we closed on the house ... (the den/library - dark floors, disintegrating wall paper, sheets for drapes, etc. etc.)
This is what it looks like right now! We are happy. She is getting there! My friend Beth calls our house a "Grand Dame" ... we're trying to put her back together piece by piece. We have deemed it a ten year plan. We hope we have not underestimated the time!

This is the new ceiling with moulding et al. We just need to paint it (the ceiling), but we're experimenting with what we want to use color and effect wise. Other than those details, we're over this ceiling project at LONG LAST!

This is what our living room looked like as we had to block the opening to the den to keep the cats out whilst the floors dried. Also, we had a place to sit and watch t.v. and use the computer and all that. It was just like living in a mess ... JUST LIKE IT! Oh, that's right ---- it WAS living in a mess!!! I am so very glad that part is over. I don't do well in that much chaos. Paul doesn't seem to mind so much. The cats don't like it either.

This is what the stripped ceiling looked like. YUK!

This is the gorgeous refinished floor. I'll never get over the difference between the before and after on this part. I can't wait for the whole front part of the house to be finished floor wise. It makes such a huge difference. But it's a HUGE amount of work and effort! And the smell is horrific! If you plan to refinish your floors, take a vacation while their curing! LEAVE THE PREMISES!!!

The ceiling when Paul started cleaning it for priming. Most of the paper had to be stripped off.

This is what we hung on the ceiling. It came from England in January 2007 when we ordered it! We hung it with clay paste and it was HEAVY to hold overhead. But we made a good team and after a couple of strips we had a pretty good rhythm going. It is so nice to see tangible evidence of hard work. This turned out really nice. Thank goodness!

Paul could reach the ceiling on the scaffold. I had to get on the ladder in the background. Not as much fun as the scaffolding ... I'm going to have to get taller soon! The ceilings in this house are 10 feet, 4 inches. I am 5 feet, no inches. It's a long stretch for me! Note the handyman apron Paul's daughter MADE for him for Christmas! Good job, Nina ... a perfect fit!

Here's our "new" den. We still want to replace the mantle and build book shelves ... but all in good time ... can't see why we should start rushing now! Besides, we're working on planting the garden and clearing the side yard. No time for inside work since the weather has finally warmed up. We do have a few "sprouts" in the garden thanks to the sun shining this weekend!

Whoo hoo!

On other notes completely:

*Jennifer returned from Japan tonight. Safe and Sound (Amen). Her trip sounds like it was ever so exotic. I can't wait to see pictures and hear more details!

*Our friend Caroline stopped by this afternoon with her sister, Ruth. It was wonderful to see her up and about. Remember, she's just had a double mastectomy. Keep up the great healing, Caroline. Our good thoughts are always with you.

*There is hope that Paul will go back to work at Star Buildings this month. Please keep your fingers crossed ever so tightly! We sure could appreciate his having a job again soon!

*Paul & I leave for Orlando for a few days at the end of this week. It you're looking for us, try the cell phone. I you happen to swing by the house, pull a weed or two in the garden before you leave! We are going to see the Dancer's Pointe recital as many of my students are graduating seniors this year. Also we will get to visit friends and family. A nice break!

*Beth leaves Italy for NYC on Tuesday. Happy and safe travels, Beth. Look forward to seeing you soon! Your bungalow is fine ... no worries!

*The members are starting to return to the Club for the summer season. Please keep good thoughts that someone will bring a friend who wants to buy a house from us. PLEASE!!!!

*Paul's dad had great news on the health checkup front. Blessings once again! YEAH!

*Paul & I are finished teaching dance at Crossnore for the season, altho we do hope to be going on some hikes and such with the kids. In our hearts we always keep good thoughts for the children and ask that you send prayers and blessings to them as well. It is amazing to see the progress the children make at Crossnore, especially given the conditions they are generally sent there under. There were 6 graduating seniors this year! a BIG class considering. Dr. Crain, who is the amazing director of Crossnore School has been given some very challenging health issues and we send her our very best in her endeavors as she moves through what she calls her "bend in the road". Dr. Crain is one amazing individual with a very clear picture of what her role in this life is for. Wish I could be so clear and driven to achieve as she is. Blessings to you, Dr. Crain. We are all sending you love & hugs.

Tomorrow begins a new month already! The month of May brought us 9.64 inches of rain, with only 7 days being rain free. We are now officially out of the drought we've been in! That is a real blessing for many reasons, mostly for wild fires and the animals being able to find water to live. We are looking so forward to this season! Keep checking in ... we'll likely have some tales to tell.

Happy Trails to all,

Paul & Cheri

Memorial Holiday Weekend

Sabrina finally made it up to see us!
Hors de oeuvres on the porch in the evening

Lots of conversation, trivia and laughter

and a FEAST every night!

It was an absolutely delightful visit.

And being a good friend, Sabrina came bearing gifts ... Flake(s) for Paul, licorice too and LeMadeline tomato soup for me (my all time fav) ... not to mention all the wine, mixed raw nuts and copious other food and drink related fun!

Now I will begin fasting to try to recover from all the feasting and goodness!

A lovely visit. A wonderful holiday weekend.

Thanks for coming up Sabrina. :-)

And for the rest of you, she paved the way to open season here at Glover House.

Guest room now has A/C (it's still cool and rainy, but you'll need it soon enough), and the house is guest ready, so sign up for your turn!! It's open season once again. FINALLY!!!

Y'all come!

Happy Trails,

Paul & Cheri

A little of THIS and a little of THAT

3rd coat of poly on the floor and it's GORGEOUS! You can see your reflection in it!
Lettuce is planted! Hopefully there will be enough sunshine to keep it from drowning!

Paul and his treasure ... a big fat earth worm! YICK! But I know they make the earth rich for planting the food ... so I'll tolerate them.

Working the soil for the 'tater patch' ... last Sunday was a GLORIOUS day ... we had a wonderful time outside playing in the dirt ... as you can see!

We all take a nap during the golf ...

There is FINALLY decent fresh fruit in the stores! YUM!

Blueberries and strawberries. Can't set them in the ground quite yet, but they're ready when Mother Nature is!

This MAY DAY basket was left at our front door step by a little wood FAIRY we know. Her name is Beth ... and she is currently on holiday in England! Then she goes to visit her brother in Italy and hang out on the coast for a few weeks. MUST be nice!!!! We're back to Bungalow sitting. The basket has wild mint it in! Can't wait to get it in the ground and watch it take over the universe!

This is Spartacus keeping guard over our May Day deliveries we found. Not only was there a basket from Beth, but there was a box of blueberry vines from Kim (! - I LOVE blueberries) who works at the County Extension office. She is Mike's wife ... Mike who Paul is working on the 18 wheelers with, who also works at the hardware store.

Ceiling prep for the anaglypta. We've been in "prep" mode for about a week now. Along with the pollen came some wicked sinus stuff for both of us. Paul is REALLY suffering with it right now though, so we've kind of taken a break until he can actually breathe again! Maybe we'll start hanging the paper tonight ... we'll see!

The BEAUTIFUL bearded IRIS have come out in full force. Aren't they lovely? They sure do make me smile when I walk by them on my way in and out of the front door!! BEAUTY!

The hostas have popped up and the world is once again turning green. Thank GOODNESS. Our mostly right weather man is predicting lows of 30 next week. EEEEEKKKKK. Hopefully we won't lose too much to the frost. 6 FULL months of winter here folks!

Day lilies are coming up too! WE love this time of year ... can you tell?

Some updates:

Caroline is having a double mastectomy on Monday, May 18th. Please keep good thoughts for her complete and speedy recovery. It appears at this point that chemo or radiation will not be necessary. Fingers are crossed. Blessings to you, Caroline.

My niece, Hollie (sister Cyndie's daughter) is graduating from high school tomorrow! Hollie is a fashion model, and you can view her blog for more info. http://holliedokersblog.blogspot.com/Hollie plans to attend fashion school in NYC. Good luck in your future Hollie and gobs of success to your career!!

My BFF Sabrina is coming up next week sometime and staying through Memorial Day ... the High Country will probably never be the same. I can't wait to see her and introduce her to Mayberry!

Jenn (my daughter) is going to Japan on the 26th. Safe travels to you, Jenn. Don't worry, we'll take GREAT care of Christian while you're gone. :-) SPOILING GRANDSON ALERT!!!!

Our adopt-a-hikers made it to Damascus, VA in time for Trail Days. Apparently there was a 33 mile day involved in that! As one of their family members commented, "so much for pacing yourselves"! I'm so glad to know they made it to the festival.

That's all for today's update ... need to get back to work!

Happy Trails to all,

Paul & Cheri