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Thanks to Winnie and Sarah for this little light-up robin picture from the North Carolina Arboretum gift shop. The clerk said it was a European robin. I don't know about that, but I know I'm happy to have it. I'm always drawn to birds in art work, but in real life I do NOT want to be in a room with a bird flying around.
The Newport Aquarium used to have a space with birds, some of which did fly around. I was always glad when the grands said they wanted to skip it. In recent times there have been otters in that space, and that's been better.
I need to go to church and take down the November visuals. Run some other errands. Groceries would be nice. So would a hair cut. Back to the bike shop to order a Christmas gift for Sarah.
This week feels like a dual season. Christmas coming quickly. But, still November and the last of the fall candle still burning.
And the weather. Cold this morning with a little snow falling but the promise of 60-degree temperatures on the weekend. There may yet be a chance for me to plant those bulbs and do some clearing up.
I am a bit-by-bit person, so I'm Christmas decorating a bit at a time. Tucked away the Thanksgiving decorations yesterday.
Has anyone else seen those retro candles in the catalogs? Molded Santas, angels, trees, etc? I used to love those - we saved them carefully from year to year, maybe adding a new one. Who knew that the nostalgic re-dos would be so price-y.
Winnie and I on Friday at Grove Park Inn in Asheville, trying out Highlands Brewing Hansel and Gret Ale. Notice the architecture and the gorgeous blue sky. Nearby a wedding was about to take place, the bride had beautiful weather for an outdoor late November wedding.
And on Sunday, here's Sarah sitting outside at New Belgium Brewery. There were kids on skateboards and running around having a great time. Blue sky once again.
By the time we went to Winter Lights on Monday night, we were bundled up, but the light display was well worth a little cold.
When I drove home today, there were light snow flurries most of the way. When I got home, there as snow covering the grass. No blue skies. But I am grateful for an uneventful trip.
Coming and going I stopped at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea. I love to look at the art, and the bathroom has fresh flowers, but really, I always stop for the corn pudding. On the way down there were mashed potatoes and gravy and sweet potatoes as well and today fingerling potatoes and carrots. Nice corn bread. I have one potato left to slice for breakfast tomorrow. It looks like a Yukon gold, nicely roasted. Of course they have meat too, but for me it's all about the veggies.
Today is my last North Carolina day and I am doing some homework with this tiny rescue dog companion. I do not take her companionship lightly because it's hard for her to trust. Especially with men. I think she had a hard time in a previous life. This life is pampered.
Tonight we're going to Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum. I have my heavy coat ready for outside walking. Yesterday was a warm and sunny day. We sat outside at New Belgium Brewing and watched the river flow by.
We also went to Sierra Nevada Brewery, an amazing place. Huge with lots of seating places and outside gardens. I've heard that they are good neighbors to the small local brewers.
And the day before, a trip to Grove Park Inn to see the gingerbread houses. And the people dressed up for an outside wedding. It's a wonderful place - maybe a picture tomorrow.
A stack of baby quilts from our meeting on Monday. I think we had nine.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. There is much to be thankful for.
I am packing. I always dream of being that person who has the car loaded the night before but it never happens. Of course, I did have a church meeting last night and a last-minute sewing job for a customer who needed something for Thanksgiving, so I need to be easy with myself.
Nora and I are hanging out this weekend while the rest of the family is gone. She is an easy hanger-outer. A friend staying overnight Friday night. Mall shopping with me on Saturday. Skating on Saturday night. I introduced her to the joy of the hot bar at Whole Foods.
Here she is practicing her trombone, which she hasn't played much since learning the bassoon. She is thinking ahead to marching band next fall when she'll need to return to the trombone.
In a bit we will be going to my house for awhile so I can finish a sewing job that I need for tomorrow. No baby quilt to take to tomorrow's baby quilt group. I have even had one sandwiched for the past month but haven't worked on it.
While I'm home, if the sun is shining and the temperature rising, I need to bring in the garden hose and shut off the water from the inside. Last year I forgot to shut off the water. Oops.
My back yard this morning. Usually there are tall ornamental grasses but this morning they are covered in ice and drooping.
They remind me of this favorite Robert Frost poem:
Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
I learned this morning that a former boss is in her last hours of her life. She changed my life in huge and positive ways and I wish her a peaceful last journey.
