Proof Positive - we're thawing out and it's spring

Just wanted to send out a little piece of heaven to all y'all. There are some shots here to prove that we are, indeed, going to thaw out (even though they're forecasting frost Tuesday) ...

remember the bear prints??? Well this is the rest of him!!! Yikes!! He was raiding the deer corn in a backyard ... the bears are absolutely starving here because the frost killed all the blossoms last year and they're weren't any berries all winter long. They ate bird food and dog food for the most part! The robin's eggs are in a nest here at the golf course. Apparently robin's lay one egg per day for 4 days ... then she sits on them for so many days (I forgot how many) and they all hatch together. Mother nature is so incredible! Anyway, the cherry blossoms with the bee are for Paul ... and the best part are the grandboys. Apparently Cade and Austin got bunnies for Easter and Christian ran his very first foot race!!!!

Not much time to write on ... so not my normal endless chatter ... hope everyone is well and happy! Paul & Cheri

Happy TAX DAY, everyone! :-)

We sealed our envelopes with our checks and signatures this morning and sent them off to Uncle Sam. It amazes me that people like us, who can almost afford to live, still get to pay taxes at the end of the year. I'm always amazed about things, I guess this particular item is just amongst the many ... well ... something to contemplate over during yard work, I guess!

Speaking of ... I know you're asking you computer screen right now "why is she posting this picture of yard junk ... doesn't she have any idea how embarrassing this is ..." well ... if you look closely between the wood pile (covered by the truck bed mat and waiting for Paul to cut and stack) and the dead Christmas tree (reserved for kindling wood for the fire starting process) you will see a rooster ... yes, you read it right ... a ROOSTER. He is apparently the new neighborhood mascot. And, better yet, he visits our side yard which is right outside our bedroom window each and every morning! And, yes, he crows, just like he's supposed to. As he belongs to the state trooper next door, I can't strangle it, although I did spend a little while trying to wrangle it yesterday morning so it wouldn't wake Paul up!!!! I will have to admit, I don't know what I would've done with him had I actually managed to catch him ... but it was fun chasing him around. He's a GORGEOUS fella with beautiful black tail feathers and a very strong voice box!

We had a beautifully warm day on Saturday just past. Charles came over and tilled the garden, leveled some of the front yard and redistributed the gravel in our driveway. It's so very nice to have a friend with heavy equipment around here! AND, we are congratulating Charles on his new job! He is working off a 2-week notice at his current job and moving along to a bigger and better assignment! YAHOO ... for this has been in the works for quite some time now!!!! And, his Nana, who took a mighty hard spill a few weeks ago at 84 years old, has healed and is back running circles around the rest of us! she fell off of the bottom wrung of a ladder whilst cleaning a woman's house (dusting the top of cabinets ... good grief!). She gave us all a scare, and we're glad to report her "back in the saddle again" ... and of course, she's back to cleaning the woman's house too. Mountain people - hearty ... and they last a long time! Charles and his Nana have supplied our "spring water" for months now, as they have a spring on their property that comes right up out of the ground. The water is delicious and cold. They have also kept us in potatoes and canned vegetables this winter ... jars of green beans, corn, etc. A big blessing to us in our "leaner" days, as well as all the other days! anyway, CONGRATULATIONS, Charles!!! I know you'll be successful as whatever you do!

SO, the sun was warm enough of SATURDAY to have the tulips burst open ... right in time to fill up with snow on SUNDAY! Yeppers, it snowed Sunday and Monday ... no snow today, but it's chilly and will freeze tonight. I'm hoping the blossoms that are out won't freeze and that we will actually have a beautifully blooming springtime! We're keeping our fingers crossed! The cherry trees in our yard are right on the verge of blossoms, so hopefully they won't be affected this year. We'll see!

The "bottle collection" that I've included is filled with bottles that Paul, the treasure hunter, has managed to pull out of our yard and our basement. The liquor bottles are on the big oil furnace tank outside and not pictured here ---- but they are many in number!!!! These bottles are little prized possessions that we've pulled from the earth and have saved as historical treasure! (Paul can also tell you about the train that used to go through our yard, the track and where it used to run and numerous other anorak type details!)

My friend Beth has taken a trip to NY as her mother has fallen ill and admitted into ICU. We've been taking care of her bungalow for her ... where the deer come every evening to eat and rest. There is one very pregnant doe with 2 fawns that follow her close behind. After the "girls" graze, "the boys" come and finish up the corn and whatever they can find. Paul and I saw the most beautiful HUGE red fox there the other night. Quite a show of wild animal life in her back yard, which we can view through the sliding glass door. Pretty much like a movie screen! We offer Beth good thoughts and big prayers as she helps her mom and family. And we will enjoy our grounds keeping assignment until she arrives back home. (safe journey to you Beth)

Happy Birthday to Cheryl Nyberg this past Sunday! Cheryl, I know you'll celebrate your life better than most of us! Know we're thinking about you (and Jerry) and hoping all good things for you and yours. Happy Birthday!

Paul's mum and dad, as well as Chris and Rick, will be leaving for their cruise in 12 days or so. As my memory digresses, I'd like to wish you all an absolutely WONDERFUL vacation while I am thinking about it! I am sure Paul and I will someday be able to cruise ... but until then, I sure hope ya'll can enjoy it enough for all of us! Bon Voyage, y'all!!! And safe journey!

Next week is spring break up here for the schools. Yippee! That means no dance for me next week. It's time for a break! Then, it's serious business until the recital is over. Don't quite have a date for that yet ... stay tuned. (OMG) Haven't ordered costumes yet ... no venue either ... life is just not the same here. :-O

Well, must get back to work. My sweet boss is in Pebble Beach, CA golfing his heart out this week. I'm sure he's enjoying every minute of it. It's very quiet at work when he is out of town. So it's time for me to update the website and get some "busy" work out of the way.

Cheers to all,

Paul & Cheri

Spring in the Mountains ... ???

Hopefully these pictures will give you an idea of what it is like to have schizo weather!! The picture of the truck with the fog so thick you cannot see across the parking lot was taken last Saturday, along with Charles and Paul (BFF) looking at Janet's new "horse blog". And on that subject, CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, Janet and Sarah for the competition results!! You must be so very thrilled and proud. I'm super impressed ... and we love being able to see it all on the blog. So thanks for posting! Charles and Paul worked on some property at the Club and it was COLD - as I'm sure you can see by their attire. Aren't they scruffy looking lads? Wouldn't want to run in to them if they were unhappy!

The snow pics were taken March 25th. (see the full moon over the house??) It snowed that morning, like crazy ... by that afternoon it was warm enough that my neighbors were mowing their yard!!!!! CRAZY! The garden pics and the flowers blooming, the beautiful blue sky and the 60 degree day were taken on March 22nd!!! Charles is getting us ready for that big crop Paul intends to plant (Thank you so much, Charles!). Hopefully we will have food coming out of the ground instead of the grocery store! It's so fun to just go "pick dinner" out of the back yard. :-)

The pics of the cats were obviously taken during nap time (which is ALL THE TIME for a cat) and I just thought you might get the "attitude" of the hibernation we've all been in for months on end now. I'm personally extremely sick and tired of being cold!! I long for the day I can once again NOT wear a turtle neck, socks, and a wool blazer or down jacket! Also, I'd love to visit the other rooms in our house that are outside of our cozy warm tent commonly called the kitchen. But, I digress ....... I do have to admit that when I get home from work, I eat dinner, clean up the kitchen and go to bed where the electric blanket is on somewhere between 2 and 6. It's warm and I can read --- or sleep --- and then when Paul comes home, I can get up and make his tea and visit with him. I'm sleeping in shifts ... but at least I'm sleeping!!

CLAYZAICS is the company Shannon and I are working on to get up and running. We're meeting tonight about the opportunity of perhaps having an artist co-op, which is very exciting and "cutting edge" for around here. Please keep your fingers crossed that we really just do SOMETHING as we come out of our stupor from the winter! Shannon just returned from 10 days in St. Augustine. Maybe she'll be motivated enough for us all! I received a very exciting care package of new tiles from Chrissie in Orlando, along with a couple of art pieces she so sweetly made, and I'm hoping for inspiration for new works from that. I'm still in the middle of making a HUGE mirror hanging for Jenn and Vic ... and learning how to do clay faces ... and toying with making dolls (nice pun, huh?) and then there are the flowers I want to plant, and the flower beds I need to get ready ... oh, yeah and taxes need to be done since it's the 3rd already.

We are finishing up the Spring Marketing brochure at work, which has taken 5 solid days of my life, as well as more brain cells than I actually have! (OH MY!) and, I'm getting the website all up to date and current. Then there are all those spread sheets and preparing our office for the opening of the Golf Course on April 25th. (YIKES!) I go to sleep a lot earlier than I used to, except for Monday and Tuesday when I still teach dance after work. It's coming up to recital time - costume frenzy, and mania all around! It's a busy time ... for everyone.

Paul is training now to be a "fitter", which he has been anxiously waiting for. The fitters put the big beams and brackets and things together per blue prints that are written (not drawn!) and tack things into place. Then the welders weld everything up. He has been lusting over the fitter position since he got there .... apparently it requires a brain and thought, as well as the skill to weld beautifully. He's much more confident about his welding, but says there are guys there that put him to shame. I can't imagine that - but I'm not a welder! I'm so happy that he's getting to train and it makes his night less stressful. I can seriously NOT imagine holding a welding rod for 7-1/2 hours with my head bent forward from the weight of a welding mask, holding my arm in mid air, welding literally 1,000's of pounds of steel. I'm sure the option to put things together has been a delightful change for him. He also seems to be adjusting to the hours and it suits him, as he never has been an early riser (nor have I been, but that's another story).

My son-in-law, VICTOR (we call him Vic) celebrated his birthday yesterday. Happy Birthday, Vic! My daughter will celebrate hers on April 8th. It's always a HUGE plate of gratitude when Jenn gets to celebrate life and living and health and all that. Happy Birthday, my sweet girl. Vic and Jenn are flying out to Vegas tonight to do a fitness show this weekend. I hope they actually get some play time while they are there. Two people who deserve a real bit of R&R!!!

My Pennisu is still reeling with adjustment to all kinds of extremes. Please send out good thoughts and spare prayers to Pennisu and her family, who are seriously going through "the wringer" and could use some extra energy! We love you guys, hang in there!!!!

I was thinking the other night about how lucky Paul and I are. We all have our "challenges" and such, but I always think it's nice to have friends and family to help with the rough spots and a warrior spirit to help with the "stamina" and courage part. We often count our blessings and try to not take anything for granted. As the newscasters are quick to point out things are changing daily. On the grand scheme of things, we are pretty insignificant little human beans (yeah, that was on purpose ... I know we're beings) and I'm always astounded and thankful when the day is done and I can count my blessings. Life is precious. Maybe that should be a mantra we all chant! We are especially grateful for all the new friends we've met since we moved here ... and very tickled that we get to keep the ones we knew before as well!!! What a treasure trove we have acquired!

Hope this finds everyone healthy, happy and blessed. Cheers!

From our schizo weather nestled in the mountains,

Paul & Cheri

Still Kicking (and Screaming and Bundling up!)

Aren't these paintings absolutely beautiful? They are painted by a woman here at Grandfather Golf and Country Club. Her work is EXQUISITE!! Her name is Ruthie Windsor Mann and you can view her website and buy her art at http://www.ruthiewindormann.com/. Do yourself a favor and visit her site, it's very impressive and she LOVES to paint English country manors. So refreshing!!! WELL ...

I drove to work in the snow this morning ... you know, the first day of Spring and all. Our daffodils were face down in the white fluffy dusting . . . must be tough to be a spring flower in the High Country! Tomorrow is supposed to be LUXURY with sun and almost 60 degrees. As Paul and I are both having a Holiday (OMG!) for Good Friday tomorrow, I'm hoping to drag his tired and weary welding ars out to hike! Hopefully, by noon it'll be warm enough, and he'll be awake enough, and I'll have the backpack ready. I figure if we go to the Tennessee side, we'll have plenty of warmth to enjoy a few hours of Mother Nature's sheer beauty. My fingers are crossed!
In the news here ... and with our friends and family:

First of all, Sara did indeed make it to the competition, albeit a comedy skit from what her mom, Janet wrote and shared. I'd forgotten how challenging loading a horse into a trailer can be. There was absolute determination in those women, they did eventually load, unload and load and unload yet again. Badger, who is new at all this, is apparently unharmed and no worse for the wear. He's 17 hand high - holy moly! It's a wonder he fits in a trailer!!! Sara did get to lunge him ride him around an arena, even though it wasn't for show. The "first timers" seem to have done ever so brilliantly and I'm so impressed and proud of everyone involved. I know this will not be the last of stories from Sara and Badger (and Janet as well) and I send them many kudos for their effort and education!

Our niece, Erin, had a birthday on the 18th! I'm so excited to be able to wish her a happy birthday ... and to even know when it is has just been a huge thing! She seems to be doing just fine on the pig farm, although I know she'd love to be over that (in a BIG way). Happy Birthday, Erin ... AND MANY MANY MORE!!!!

Since last I wrote we've been to Atlanta to help my sister-in-law pack up some of my brother's office and bedroom. It was a very intense weekend counting the travel and the nature of the trip. But all in all, we muddled through (some of us are just better muddlers than others anyway) and most of his office is packed up and ready for the next step(s). Debbie is healing, better than many I've seen, but she still has a crater sized hole in her very big heart. Please keep good thoughts streaming her way as she makes huge decisions in her new adventurous life! Her dad is healing INCREDIBLY fast!! I can hardly believe how amazing science is ... he had a triple by-pass of his heart not quite a month ago. He's driving and has been released to work as he feels fit. What a huge testimony for living right and getting medical checks when you're supposed to! So amazing...technology! Pennisu and Lois continue to face Lois's treatment and recovery with courage and grace. Lois had her first round of chemo this past Tues and seems to be doing very well. These tough cookies we know just continue to make unbelievable strides to continue good life. And we continue to send love and prayers their way to aid in their strength and determination. Bless you all as you "carry on".

The Dancer's Pointe kids danced in a VERY COOL competition last weekend. (JUMP, I think)

I was amazed when I found out that you could actually watch the live feed on the internet. So, much of my time last weekend was consumed by watching the kids dance!!! WAY TO GO YOU GUYS! And congratulations to those of you who got to meet the So You Think You Can Dance extraordinaires! I'm so excited for y'all! Here's Sam with Danny --- How Cool!!!! You guys are SO lucky! Don't forget to thank your parents! ;-)

Dance for me here is always uncertain. For example, is anyone going to show up for class, is anyone going to want to dance, is anyone going to wear leotards or a bun ... etc., etc. Very different! But it's fun when everything comes together!!!! Working on recital, the fun time of year. Everything is different here in the High Country!! I probably have already mentioned that.

Anyway, Paul is still having a big time at work. He comes home tired and happy every morning, so who could ask for anything more! He always has a tale to tell and it keeps me plenty entertained. Between his tales and the guys here at work, I'm set on daily stories!

Hope this finds everyone read for a beautiful Easter weekend and in the mood to celebrate the FIRST DAY OF SPRING and the equinox and the coming of fresh, new things. Hope you all have dreams to fill and happy hearts. Happy Easter to one and all! Paul & Cheri

Glorious to Gloomy and Back Again!

Last Sunday was ABSOLUTELY glorious! The sun came out! AND it stayed out all day!!!! And it got up to sixty degrees!!!!! We were in heaven, for sure! All of the pictures here were taken on Sunday. The mosaic was completed with the wire hangar on the back so I could take it to Stefanie at the studio ... FINALLY. The cats found a lovely patch of sunshine in which to nap. There was still ice and frozen ground in the shady parts of the yard. Paul and I worked on cutting, stacking, chopping, splitting and moving wood! Mike (remember, hardware store, neighbor Mike) brought us 2 pick up truck loads full, so now we have to begin again with the cutting, chopping, splitting and stacking ... then it gets moved to the screen porch and stacked there for our use in the kitchen stove. I don't know what we would have done without that stove this winter. I'll never have the opportunity to say thank you personally to my brother's face, but I sure hope he knows how much we appreciate his help in making that a reality. We would have been MUCH colder without that this year! And alas, the crocus (I know this is spelled wrong!?!) braved the frozen ground and came out to greet the sun! Aren't they just lovely????

Now you've heard about Sunday ... on Monday it began raining a bit ... mostly flurries. I drove to work in the snow! On Tuesday it turned to REAL rain, 5 inches worth in one day! Yep, you got it! Roads washed out, mud slides came, and driveways washed away. Lightning hit mountain sides and shook houses, and some of the students at dance class cried in fear - literally cried alligator tears! They'd never heard that kind of thunder storm in their young lives, nor had they ever been involved in a tornado watch!!! It was a very exciting time had by ALL!! Yesterday, I drove to work in the snow, the sun came out about 10 AM at work, but 2 miles up the raod (other side of the mountain) the sun never came out and the temperature difference was 9 degrees! It snowed there all day --- good for the slopes business) SO ... needless to say, I'd hate to try to predict the weather here! What a nightmare! Just living in it is adventure enough for me!

In other news (good grief, enough weather, Cheri) ...

Paul's niece, Sara, has her first competition Saturday together with her horse, Badger!! From the still shots we see on their family blog, Sara looks like a natural (she's a jumper) and Badger is one heck of a handsome (and very tall) fella, who obviously is in love with his new rider. Good luck to you both and congratulations on whatever you do!!!! SO exciting!

Paul's mum and dad celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary tomorrow! Wow! Happy Anniversary and Congratulations on very incredible accomplishment! I hope you both celebrate with something extra special.

My friend, Pennisu is facing some very difficult news about her mom's health. Please offer up good thoughts and prayers for Lois and Pennisu as they figure out their strategic approach to a very scary battle. Pennisu, you know where I am, just holler whenever you want.

My sister-in-law is doing GREAT (especially considering her last 4 months!). Her father had his emergency by-pass surgery and is on the mend - already at home and trying to work a bit here and there!! Her knee is healing and is finally looking better (she had an allergic reaction to the steri-strips and it "ate" the flesh!), and she is in physical therapy. Her grief is still rampant at times, but she's an inspiration to all of us in her approach and endurance at this time. Much love to you, Ms. Debbie.

We all miss my brother ... I really miss the e-mails, the unique sense of humor and lease of life, and the music talk. I am pretty much haunted by him when I listen to music (Beatles, in particular, and Elton John ... the 70's mostly) and hear his absolute passion for music in every tune I play. I guess it's a comfortable presence, albeit sad in the evenings when I'm in the kitchen working on mosaics, listening to music and he's there literally, in spirit, but not able to be reached in the physical. Always a challenge when a loved one leaves us here on earth. Sure am glad I got to have the interaction with him though, so I can have all the memories and smiles (yes, and tears too!)

My friend, Shannon, who works in polymer clay and I have a Etsy.com store now called Clayzaics. If you are at all interested in art work, it's a very cool website and there are artists on there representing everything from underwater basket weaving to knitted bunny rabbits. . . and then some! Anyway, Shannon very diligently set up the site, and she's let me join her because I cook her dinner once in a while! She is the lady who we did the wooly worm festival with last fall. It's a long time in the process, but we'll have the business open by spring (here that's May), and will be setting up the shop for classes and so forth on our "sleeping porch" at the house. We have high hopes! It'll take the place of my teaching dance in the summer time, and hopefully it will be lucrative for all!!! Paul can even get involved with his ornamental stuff if he wants to!

Speaking of Paul, he's doing well. I think he's getting adjusted to the new hours ... that is for now. I'm sure daylight savings time will reek havoc on both of us. Whoo hoo!! Anyway, Paul is still enjoying and loving the adventure of his new job. There is a new story every night when he gets home. I love that he's such a good story teller. He also seems to really enjoy his drive to and from work. I guess by the time he gets there, it's been a scenic delight, and by the time he gets home, he's calmed down from whatever pressure there might have been. He did say that it's HARD work ... really HARD work, and by that he meant physically. He does need to rest now! But he's found a great used book store, so he'll work all that out too, I'm sure! (Incidentally, I am currently reading a book called LAMB which is an excellent comedy written from the perspective of Jesus' childhood best friend (Biff) during their formative years. It is a great fun read for anyone interested in very clever writing and a very unique subject!)

My son started a new job with Jim n Nick's this week. I haven't heard from him since he started (of course, boy's just don't "check in" like girls do!) but he was very excited about a new endeavor. Good luck, Jon!!! I hear the two polka dotted boys are fine and growing like little weeds. Can't wait to have our week with the boys this summer! SO FUN!

Jenn and her family are all well too ... they work way too hard ... but who doesn't in their 30's. Everyone seems to be healthy, and that's the most important thing with that group! We are so very lucky and so very blessed. And so, I get to ramble on and on about our little lives, the good, the bad and the ugly - knowing that each of you have the same types of day to day things in your lives. We do wish you all good health, good lives and fun times! Our best to all!

Paul and Cheri

Snow Storm Cometh

We are expecting to get 5 - 8 inches of snow in the next 24 hours, so if you don't hear from us on-line for a day or two, we're snowed in and can't get to the internet! But I'm sure we're going to be just fine. We have coffee, tea, milk and bread ... not to mention cat food, wood and matches. Maybe we'll get a day off in the mix, who knows!!!
For a quick update,
My sister-in-law called last Friday with "my dad is going in for an emergency triple by-pass at 1pm" ... so we've been ever so busy sending good thoughts and prayers down to Atlanta for that event. Happily reporting that he came through the operation SUCCESSFULLY and is in his own room now (out of ICU) and healing rapidly. A big AMEN. Please keep Debbie in your hearts as she is recovering from the loss of her husband in Dec., extensive knee surgery in early Feb., and her father's new surgery last week and a wicked sinus infection that has not allowed her any sleep for about 2 weeks! She's pretty tired and could surely use some calm and peace about now!
My dear friend, Psu is dealing with some "scary" tests her mom is having to go through this week. Psu, we're keeping you and Lois in our thoughts and prayers and know that it will all turn out just fine. xxooxxoo Also, Psu just started a new job at the commissioner's office in Orange County (Orlando)!!!! Good luck with your new job and I hope you like it as much as Paul and I like ours!!!! New things are great fun ... especially during these times! Let us know if we can do anything for you guys, ok? (you and your mom, not the commissioner! ;-))
It was Ms. Kelly's birthday on Sunday ---- HAPPY BIRTHDAY MS. KELLY!!!! I hope this is a GREAT year for you and you have lots of wishes come true throughout the year!
My mosaic mentor, Chrissise, has announced she is with child - her 4th, in fact. And it is a boy! She is very excited and blessed. She has her one and only little Princess, Eva. This will be her 3rd boy, and they are very happily moving toward 4 children of their own, and an 18 year old son from Mike's previous life. God bless them! She claims this will complete their collection ... we'll see!!!! HA!
I'm learning more and more about the real estate and investment industries and it is fascinating. I'm really excited about the opportunity to learn new things! Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks!!!!! And we are having great fun meeting new people in and around the area. Also, Paul is loving his new job!! He is really working and seems to be as happy as a "pig in dirt". We are still working out the 2nd shift thing ... it's going to take some time!!! Paul is a night owl to start with. So ... given permission to be up all night is his dream come true!!! He's usually sleeping by 4:30 AM ... but this morning he went to help Charles do some ornamental work and he was up by 8AM ... tell you anything about his consistency level? HAHAHA!
I finally finished another one of my mosaics ... but forgot the pics at home. Will have to post them later in the week. It's a fun piece ... stay tuned!
Hope everyone out there is well and happy --- not to mention dry and warm!!!!
Goodness to all,
Paul and Cheri

Some visuals!

The first picture here is "our Grandfather Mountain" ... this scene is what my boss sees out of his office window, only a lot closer since we're actually in the Grandfather Mountain property! Beautiful, isn't it????? The "profile" on the left hand side is said to look like an old grandfather indian. This view shows his nose much sharper than most angels we see. He is also farther away in this shot than from our office. But it is very "comforting" to see him welcoming me to each morning. This is what our area of North Carolina is known for .... ins't it beautiful????

The second shot: This is what our neighborhood looked like on February 14th this year! Happy Valentine's Day, indeed! Isn't it beautiful? It is so crisp, quiet and peaceful (oh yeah, and freezing!). But all in all, it's simply magnificent! Imagine waiting for the bus in this???

Hope all of you are well and happy. Just wanted to share ...

Cheers! Paul and Cheri

Happy Birthday Cade!

Our middle grandson, Cade, just turned 6 years old!!! I know he thought the day would never come, and we, on the other hand, can't believe it's here already. Anyway, I know he had a wonderful birthday ... party and presents and cake and friends...who could ask for anything more!

Paul and I have gone through yet another week of trying to adjust to our new chapter in this adventure. Paul comes in the door any where from 12:45 to 1:15 am. I, of course, greet him with a yawn and a pretty groggy "hi honey, welcome home" .... and roll over to finish my sleep, or occasionally get up and make a cup of tea while listening to the antics of a welding shop. I wake up and leave the house about 8am, with Paul's turn to yawn and groggily wish me a good day. When I get home between 6 and 8 pm, depending on whether I had to teach or not, it's very quiet ... the cats don't make much noise ... and since Paul has gone to work around 2 ... no one is there to spontaneously break in to song or cheer along with the soccer games or the x-box. I spend my evenings doing mosaic work, planning budgets, chatting with my sister in law or cooking, as the only room in the house warm enough to live in is the kitchen at this point! Sometime in the evening when I think it's late enough, I go to bed (where I have the electric blanket on HIGH and enough covers to keep the frost out) and read until I fell asleep. Then the cycle repeats. Last night (Friday, at long last!) I was still reading when the great welder came home! He opened the door to say hello and was simply covered in welding dust, and just totally resembled my idea of what a coal worker must look like at the end of a shift! I busted into laughter!! Paul's dad would've been proud to see Paul with that much dirt on his face! They have a running banter back and forth about who can get the most dirt on their face. Until recently, Mel held the first place position. Sorry to say Mel, Paul is hands down the new dirtiest face in the place! Well, back to the stories ... he tells me all about "the guys" and the jokes they play on each other, etc. But the story of the night he actually told on himself! It seems he was trying to buy a kitkat candy bar from the vending machine. He put his money in and pressed the button, but the candy would not release! So he shook the machine, to no avail. Well, in a typical exuberant Paul type technique, he stepped back and ran at the machine and shouldered it...American football style! The machine hit the wall behind it, tipped forward and knocked Paul back across the room, where he promptly fell on his rear end! (in front of a room full of welder dudes!) In the end, he was able to claim his kitkat ... however, the guys from the room next door came over complaining that someone had knocked the clock off of the wall!!!!! I know you all understand when I say, Paul is always entertaining. I'm sure the guys at the workshop are having a much more entertaining and interesting evening than they ever had before Paul joined the "team"!!!! he graduates Tuesday to the real welder status. I'm so proud of him.

I've learned a few things here ... now that winter has lasted forever,

1. If the water is actually falling in the water fall, it just isn't that cold. If it's frozen in mid air, it's a freeze your butt off kind of day ... and I need to wear long underwear and 2 pair of socks!

2. very dry wood burns immediately and very warm. Just cut wood (green wood) burns slowly and is good for overnight. Mixing their functions up is not good. If you have a wood stove, you don't need a shredder.

3. Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder. Paul and I really appreciate our time together more and more. And we look forward to seeing each other GREATLY.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the Dancer's Pointe dancers. I hear the competition was a shoo-in .... and Angela, way to go, girl! I'm so proud of all of you!!!!

Hope everyone had a happy Valentine's Day ... and everyone has the opportunity to both give and receive love ... lots and lots of love!

Must go, my att wi-fi time is running out!

Happy Trails to all,

Paul and Cheri

Let me Tell You a Story!!!!

Here are works in progress and newly finished work. AND what we see out of our kitchen window when the rhine frost is on the mountain. Isn't it absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!! Anyway ... here's a story for your weekend:

OK, so I'm at the studio teaching my ballet kids that are 8 year olds. They are all dressed in leotards and tights with their hair in a bun and their little pink ballet slippers all in place. One of the little girls says to me: "Guess what, Ms. Cheri"??? I'm thinking maybe she got a new puppy, or a new fuzzy pink sweater as I say "Well, what?" And she says to me with a huge country drawl and tawng : "I KILLED A HAAAWG! (hog)" OMG! Now, I wanted to be supportive of her happiness and excitement and of all things, pride, over killing this poor defenseless pig ... so I swallowed really big and said, "well, how'd you do that?" and she said ... "with a niiiiife (knife)". Oh holy mother of .... as I'm saying to her "ballerinas don't kill hawgs" ... she says "well, I did!" Now, you know, it's different around here. She's an 8 year old country girl, and she killed dinner for the family for 238 pounds worth of dressed out meat. Wow ... as they keep saying to Paul, "you ain't from 'round here, are ya?" No, we definitely feel the difference sometimes.

Gratefully, Paul started his new job and we won't have to knife a hog to get our next few meals. We also won't have to ask my 8 year old ballet student to do it ... thankfully! He officially begins the welding part today ... safety information all day yesterday for orientation. I can't wait to hear about his first real day on his new shift ... and his drive home, as we're expecting an ice storm. By the time he gets to drive home, it outta be good and challenging. But he says he's up for it, so ... so be it! I'm sure he'll have stories to tell about his job ... he said there were lots of people coming in to the training room yesterday to hear him talk. He works in Tennessee, so those folks probably aren't exposed to too many Northern English accents. And I must admit, it is fun to listen to him talk - except for those 12 minute answers he gives sometimes (hehe!).

The woman who runs the mail room here at the country club was out for several days with a terrible case of bronchitis and pink eye. While she was out, her brother's house burned to the ground. With him lived his family (2 kids and a pregnant wife), as well as their other brother and his wife. They lost everything but the clothes on their back. As they were scurrying out of their trailer when it went up in flames, a propane tank blew up and pretty much destroyed their world. Even melted their car keys! If you or any one you know is in a position to donate a gift card for Walmart, or clothes for the children, please get in touch and I'll be glad to help that get to Claire for her family. Fortunately, the brother's parents were able to take them all in to stay until other arrangements can be made. But as it so often is around here, there is no insurance to rely on ... just family, friends and church. One more reminder of how grace works! We are so glad they got out safe and sound ... the most important part!

On a much lighter note, Paul's grandma is out of the hospital and in her new home. According to the latest update, Grandma is happy with her new place and feeling much better, thankfully! Happy Birthday to Joe (the once Mr. Britain!) and to Joanie, who was my director in Atlanta for years, and still owns and operates the Sawnee Ballet School and Dance Company. Happy days to you both!

Until later .... Paul & Cheri

Can you stay warm???

I am particularly intrigued with the cats and their ability to find the absolute warmest spot in the house. It's lovely for me, as I just follow their lead. But as you can see - it's not always easy to fit into the places where the cats pick out for warmth! The thermostat on the bank "in town" read 3 degrees on Monday morning. By Friday morning it read 2 degrees, however we were -2 at the house. That was not a wind chill factor - that was an actual reading, which was enough to give my car a reason to decide it would just wait a little while to start! I honestly don't blame it!!! When I got hom from work yesterday, Paul had a lovely warm fire in the stove and the thermostat in our kitchen was registering 81 degrees! OH... Heaven on earth!

We are out and about today looking for steel toed boots for Paul's job this coming week! I know he's ready to get back to work ... I think he might be tired of the "honey do" lists that he finds on a daily basis! But I have to say, he's sure gotten a lot accomplished and he's been a very good sport about it all! :-) He and Charles cleaned out a "vacated" house last week for a side job. It provided a lot of boxes full of items for the local thrift store and was an interesting view of someone's life that had absolutely spiraled in a direction they had certainly not set out to go. I think overall, it made those of us involved count our blessings and reminded us of how fragile life can be, and how much control we really do not have over it sometimes. The other thing this project provided was more evidence of that mama bear that is hanging out on the club property! Paul said when he went in to the house, there were no tracks. However, when he came out .... there they were! Prints only, thank goodness! I'm sure we'll be seeing her before the winter goes ... I just hope it's a friendly encounter!!!!! Yikes!

Well, as you can tell there isn't much to report. I'll be in "Notary Public" school next week after work on Monday and Tuesday. Paul begins his gig on Wednesday. I'll make up my dance classes on Thursday evening, and by Friday, we'll all be ready for a restful weekend! Seems like a quick week at a glance.

There are a few birthdays coming up, including my cousin in Brooklyn - Georga - Happy Birthday!! Paul's grandma is moving from the hospital to a 24 hour care situation. As we know it now, she's holding her own - but not going back to her home of the past many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Gran ... as well as with your loved ones. Ms. Patti - who was our tap teacher in Orlando (and an original June Taylor dancer with the Jackie Gleason show!) lost her mom this past week. We send heartfelt sympathy to you, Ms. Patti, as well as to Donna and Phyllis. You are in our hearts.

And now that it's past noon and we've finally had our breakfast, we're off to conquer the Northwest corner of NC!! Happy Trails to all! Paul & Cheri

Footprints in the snow!

These are some beautiful photos taken by one of the members at the Country Club where I work. Bears are NOT in hibernation here in the High Country. There is a watch out for us to be aware and be alert for these little fuzzy black bears, as they are hungry and wandering around looking for tasty morsels! Just thought it would be fun to share our perspective on danger. We don't have car jackings and muggings in our parking lot ... er ... at least not by other humans! The way life was meant to be!

A wonderful bit of news - Paul GOT THE JOB! We are very excited (well, I think WE are, but I KNOW I am!!!) and he begins on January 30th. Whoo-Who!!! Life is Good!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! We're off to Atlanta - should be warmer, and bear free at my sister in law's house ~ but I hear it's supposed to snow there too! Hopefully it won't drop down to 5 degrees like it will here ... Happy Trails! Paul & Cheri

IT's STILL Snowing!

With our temperatures hovering in the 20's - most of the time - and the clouds "hung up" in these mountains, our M.O. has been SNOW*SNOW*SNOW!!! It is simply beautiful! The drive to work today was absolutely magical! This is a picture taken from our local weather site that someone snapped out of their sliding glass door. I'm sure if it would have been our cats, they would not have been so brave! We have the original "scaredy cats" at our house!

Anyway, thought the picture was too precious to keep to myself ...

Paul had an interview yesterday with a BIG steel production company. They manufacture steel buildings ... and they need a welder. So he took a test yesterday - similar to the original certification test - and he should know something by Wed. PLEASE keep good thoughts as it would be DELIGHTFUL for us both to be bringing in a paycheck! And it would be a great addition to our lives to have benefits and things like that!

Today is a BIG day on the birthday roster ... Paul's brother, Chris is celebrating his birthday; his nephew, Nick is celebrating his birthday and my niece, Hollie is celebrating her birthday - her 18th birthday! There sure are a lot of Capricorns in our lives. Additionally, our friends Charles celebrates his birthday on the 17th of this month, and my son, Jon has a birthday on the 19th. So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, y'all ... and may all your birthday wishes come true!

Paul and I hope to get down to Atlanta this weekend to help my sister in law sort through some things at the house and get the house ready to put on the market. She had a work day last weekend and got the yard in GREAT shape. We're so grateful that Debbie is so well loved and has so much support. I know the support and outpouring of love and caring just makes things easier to address during grief. Please keep Debbie in your thoughts as she moves forward with her new life, whether she wanted it or not.

Hope every one's New Year has started off with good things happening and all kinds of resolutions being seen to! We sure have our list ... I'm hoping to see it through! But I'm not confident enough to publish it yet ... ought to tell you something! HA! Happy Trails to each of you!

Paul & Cheri

Fun, Fun, Fun!!!

Here you have it ... pictures worth a thousand words ... and it's a good thing because we've been super busy and computer challenged. So writing a thousand words is not as easy as it sounds right now! We had the boys for a week! We went from a Pirate's life all the way to fabulous snow boarding and back to wood stove installation, all in 7 days or less. Oh, and there were exquisite visits from adults too! And numerous Christmas celebrations, with everyone learning about Christmas trifle from Paul Paul. There was hiking the Appalachian Trail, hiking through train tunnels and all sorts of things adventurous and exploratory! Grandaddy Day Care was up and running!! We are so lucky to have Paul Paul in our lives to keep our enthusiasm up for adventure and discovery! We all had a WONDERFUL time, and it was so very appreciated from Nana, who is still rather weary from the recovery process that one encounters when there is a death to deal with.

It has been such sweetness that has greeted me on a daily basis from all of my friends and family in regards to the loss of my brother. I have been overwhelmed with the amount of love and support that has come our way via e-mail, snail mail and personal appearances. I just wanted to thank everyone for their sweet caring and compassion. I so appreciate every ounce of it!

Now that we've about caught y'all up to speed on our past week or so, I'll begin with my regular schedule of posting again, I HOPE! I'll try, at any rate.

Please keep good thoughts for Paul's Grandma, who is having a bit of ill health at the moment. And of course for my sister in law, Debbie, who is doing her best to cope with her brand new life that she literally woke up to just 3 short weeks ago today.

and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SARA, Paul's niece!!!!

Happy New Year to all ... may all of you experience blessings beyond your dreams this year!

Paul & Cheri