Things Are Looking Up

Happy Birthday, Braelyn

2012-01-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Braelyn

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-25T06:49:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve at Mama & Daddy's! Got this photo in one take!!

Day 358/365 ~ Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T06:37:00.001-05:00

358/365 ~ Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Having breakfast at Mama & Daddy's on Christmas Eve has become a tradition. How wonderful it is to start off the day at their home with Mama's homemade biscuits and gravy, scrambled and fried eggs, apples, jellies, bacon and sausage. It's a meal fit for a king on a day we celebrate Our Savior's birth. I love sitting around after we eat telling at least a few stories from our childhood. My sister and I really did have it good. My dad worked hard for a living and my mama made sure we were well fed and taken care of. Every day I see others not as fortunate and I thank God he gave me the best parents in the world.

Grapevines intertwining Family

2011-12-25T06:16:00.001-05:00

On Thursday, Frank and I traveled to Hazelwood to dig up a grapevine for Daddy's new backyard. My Uncle GL's sister, Ruby Lee, offered up some pink rooted vines and some cuttings from her Concord Blue Vine. One thing we didn't know until we had time to visit with her was that the vines she was sharing came from property that originally belonged to some of my dad's kin. I love that we were able to get him a vine that has a family history.Thank you, Ruby Crumpler for the visit and the grapevines. We both had a wonderful time getting to sit with you for a while and so appreciate you sharing your stories and the grapevines with us. Daddy is very happy and hopefully they will take root and weave our families together even more. Merry Christmas. We Love you!

Day 357/365 Sun of my Soul!

2011-12-25T06:10:00.000-05:00

357/365 ~ Sun of my soul! Thou Saviour dear, It is not night if Thou be near. ~John KebleWhat a beautiful "Sonrise" I drove to work by this Christmas Eve Eve. Its radiant light lit up the front of this church so beautifully, of course I had to stop. Storm clouds were passing over and the rain of the last few days was ending and even though I saw no rainbow I easily saw His promise.Like · · Unfollow Post · Share · Edit ·

Happy Birthday, Xyla

2011-12-11T20:03:00.001-05:00

Day 305 of 365 ~

2011-11-02T22:02:00.001-04:00

305/365 ~ The hardest part of raising a child is teaching them to ride bicycles. A shaky child on a bicycle for the first time needs both support and freedom. The realization that this is what the child will always need can hit hard. ~Sloan Wilson

Yesterday my sister and her husband witnessed the swearing in of their oldest son as a US Marine Recruit. I can only imagine the emotions they must be going through right now. As a parent, surely you feel pride knowing your child has grown into a man strong enough to make a decision to defend his country. At the same time, we are in a war in a foreign country that has no foreseeable end and that same brave son could at some point be put in harm's way. Their support is going to be needed by Brett now more than ever. The training wheels are off; now we stand back and cheer (with held breath, fingers crossed and a prayer in our hearts!)

More from Helen's Birthday

2011-10-31T22:17:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday, Helen

2011-10-31T10:09:00.001-04:00

Wonderful fun and food at Helen's 60th Birthday Celebration!

Day 294 of 365

2011-10-23T00:04:00.001-04:00

294/365 ~ The sky is the daily bread of the eyes. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Late afternoon and we're sitting on a pontoon in the middle of Lake Lure eating the gourmet dinner Frank spent 7 hours preparing. My eggplant and caramelized onion hoagie, zucchini pie, and zesty gazpacho were almost finished when Frank said, "Hurry, get the camera the sun is setting." I grabbed the camera and shot this photo of him quickly before turning the lens to the mountains behind me. He said, "Not quick enough, you missed the trail on the water." "Shoot," I said, still snapping in hopes of catching a last glance at the disappearing rays. I took 996 photos today. None of them compare to catching the reflection of the sun setting in the eyes of my sweet personal chef. — at Lake Lure, NC.

Day 292 of 365 ~

2011-10-20T23:30:00.002-04:00

292/365 ~ Even as an adult I find it difficult to sleep on Christmas Eve. Yuletide excitement is a potent caffeine, no matter your age. ~Terri Guillemets

I know it might seem early and jumping a couple of holidays but today I started my Christmas List. Admittedly, there are a couple people on the list who are always difficult to buy for and then there are some that I've already finished shopping for. Harmony, Xyla, Justin, and Tyler have brought buying toys back into the mix and I love that! I'm considering American Dolls or Cabbage Patch kids for the girls. Last year, the Brookshire family did a cool thing and had a Christmas where everything had to be from NC. For years, Helen has suggested the Conrads get only gifts from thrift stores. I'm thinking about suggesting that everyone has to make their gifts - of course that means everyone is getting photographs from me, haha! Just kidding. Seriously, the best part of our Christmas is having everyone in the house together. I remember our first Christmas in this apartment 13 years ago on Christmas Eve Eve (that's the holiday created when families divorce) - all six kids piled into one room. The boys were true boys back then, pestering the girls, giggling, and playing Mexican music while Frank and I sat in the living room waiting for all six to fall asleep so we could fill the stockings. They finally dozed off but then I couldn't sleep. I couldn't wait for all of them to come down the next morning in their matching pajamas. Christmas morning pictures are the worst!! Frank refuses to come down until he showers which goes against everything I always believed in; but I have to admit, he is the only one in the photos without bedhead! We bought cream colored gold trimmed stockings and put their names on them that first Christmas and Frank made me little shelves with pop out buttons to hang the stockings on. Thirteen Christmases later and those stockings are still the first thing all six of them go for. Christmas morning breakfast usually begins with an appetizer of candy canes and M&M's. I know the true meaning of Christmas has nothing to do with what goes on my list each year; but that list reminds me to stop and think about everyone in my family and how much they mean to me. As Burton Hollis said, "The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."

Days 287 - 291

2011-10-20T23:15:00.000-04:00

287/365 ~ Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ~From the television show The Wonder Years

Even though they were a year behind me in school, I still have fond memories of the kids in the class of 1986. I was happy to capture of few of the memories from their 25th class reunion held at the Cedars. Pictured are members of their reunion committee: Sabrina Porter Lynch, Jon Beck, Staci Watkins Hoxit, Duane Bellamy, Tamara Johnson, Stephanie Hedrick Blackwell, and Kim Smith Pheffer. Great job, everyone!

288/365 ~ Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. ~Chili Davis

It's not his birthday yet but that didn't keep the kids from helping him celebrate tonight. We had all six kids, their plus ones and two grandbabies at the house for pizza and presents. They each brought him an item from one of their favorite meals he has cooked for them. Ethan and Joanna brought adobo chipotle peppers for yummy New Year's Eve Nachoes; their babies brought bacon because they are big fans of breakfast for dinner; Amanda brought the syrup to pour over Frank's famous french toast; Amy added pinto beans to keep us all heart healthy; Sheldon, Matthew, Robin and Nick brought plenty of fixin's to go into a Seafood Boil; and Zack added a bit of Stella because Frank rarely cooks on an empty stomach :)

289/365 ~ Don't knock the weather; nine-tenths of the people couldn't start a conversation if it didn't change once in a while. ~Kin Hubbard

What beautiful days we've had so far this fall. It looks like that might change by the middle of the week. I have mixed feelings when it comes to cooler days and nights. If I don't have to be in and out of the car all day, the coolness is okay but wet and cold are not a salesperson's friend - except for the fact that you do tend to have a store owner's undivided attention when no one else wants to brave the weather to shop :) Maybe a cold week is what I need to push me over my sales goal hump!
290/365 ~ "There was a star danced, and under that was I born." - William Shakespeare

Celebrated Frank's birthday at Pomodorro's with Dad & Helen. Yummy Italian food and great company.

291/365 ~ I still get wildly enthusiastic about little things.... I play with leaves. I skip down the street and run against the wind. ~Leo Buscaglia

I edited this photo to look a bit like a painting. I took 40 shots of the trees and fence in about 5 minutes while stopped in the middle of the road. It is on the road next to Triangle Stop at 191 and Blythe. Still lots of color left around here and I'm willing to stop and try to "bottle" it while I can!

God's Promise

2011-07-25T21:37:00.005-04:00

Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: Genesis 9:8-16

What's this new critter flying around my bushes?

2011-07-21T19:01:00.003-04:00

201/365 ~ Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
So my dad called me this afternoon and said, "I've got a critter I want you to take a picture of and help me figure out what it is. It looks like a bumblebee with hummingbird wings!" Okay, this I had to see. Sure enough that is what it looked like. It also looks like a flying furry lobster. I shot the photo and then went straight to Google. First I typed in Flying Insects in the photo section. Nothing that looked like this critter. Then I typed, "Flying insect that looks like a hummingbird" - BINGO! According to what I learned, it's not very common for this area so I'm thinking it might be on migration. I also learned that it is called a Hummingbird Clearwing Moth. A moth! WOW! It does love mom and dad's butterfly bushes! And it belongs to the family of sphinx moths, which are daylight fliers. Like most moths and butterflies, the hummingbird clearwing moth sips nectar through a coiled tube (proboscis) which extends from its mouth. This moth has a wingspan of 1-1/2" to 2-1/2" and feeds in mid-air while beating its wings at a rapid rate (just like a hummingbird).

Baseball & Fireworks at Daytona Cubs

2011-07-21T15:36:00.001-04:00

More from Daytona

2011-07-21T15:35:00.001-04:00

Daytona Farmer's Market & Beach

2011-07-21T15:34:00.000-04:00

Space Shuttle Atlantis Final Mission

2011-07-21T15:33:00.001-04:00

Deep Sea Fishing, New Smyrna Beach, Florida

2011-07-06T21:42:00.001-04:00

We went Deep Sea Fishing today!! It was lots of fun. We caught about three dozen fish but only 8 or 9 of them were 12 inches long and big enough to keep. They cleaned them for us afterwards and we had them for supper tonight. Black Sea Bass are good eats!!

Mama's New Garden

2011-06-29T23:21:00.002-04:00

180/365 ~ A little girl, asked where her home was, replied, "where mother is." ~ Keith L. Brooks

When my parents moved to Clyde five years ago, I felt sad and I'll be honest, betrayed. They didn't understand it and neither did my sister. They all thought I was just being selfish and they had the right to move. Well they did have the right but I wasn't being selfish. The home they sold was mine, too. Or at least it was for a long time and I was going to miss having it to go home to.

What I've learned in the last week since Mama and Daddy have moved back to Mills River is that the house they sold wasn't really "home" - they were! I am so happy to have them back over here where I can drop by any time I want - at least I'm pretty sure they don't mind :)

The flowers in the photo are from my mother's new garden at her new house. She picked them today and sent them to me via Amanda. I hope this garden will give her many hours of joy. I know the spring bouquet left on my window sill has

The New Braves Lineup!

2011-06-26T23:01:00.002-04:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Amanda made this! Isn't it great?

He Arose! Thank You, Lord!

2011-04-24T10:16:00.000-04:00

100-106/365 Days of Photos

2011-04-17T12:33:00.001-04:00

100/365 ~ Leaving DC

Wow, 100 days of photos. Didn't think I would be on my way home from Washington, DC on Day 100 of this photo journey; but then again I wasn't even sure I would make it to day 100. So here's to road trips, spontaneity, and photography. I enjoyed my first trip to Washington even if it was cold, dreary and crowded as heck! I got photos of most of the "important" things. Some day I will go back and actually get inside them maybe! I have to note that other than all the history I was immersed in, the thing that stood out to me the most was the diversity in this town. I couldn't believe how many nationalities were there - living, working and visiting. I have heard that America is a melting pot - Washington, DC, is proof!

100/365 ~ Leaving DC

102/365 ~ Every cloud has a silver lining and sometimes they have navy blue linings

The clouds today were just amazing. They took on so many different forms and colors. This is the scene behind our office just off Dana Road. It's not the most scenic with the power lines and the bright white split level next to the beautiful red barn but I could hardly see that for the beauty of the sky. And check out the bird - it must have been huge to show up in the lens so far away. Thanks, Mike Dirks for letting me grab your camera and snap this shot before the clouds passed.

103/365 ~ "I touch the future. I teach." - Christa McAuliffe

And so does my daughter, Amanda. Today she was rewarded for her hard work in studying to be a teacher. She received two scholarships which will come in handy when she starts her final year in August. Her dad and I are both very proud of all of our kids and we are happy that one of them has finally decided to do what we both thought we wanted to do ... teach! Congrats, Amanda. Keep up the good work!

104/365 ~ "Quiet is peace. Tranquility. Quiet is turning down the volume knob on life. Silence is pushing the off button. Shutting it down. All of it. - Amir" — Khaled Hosseini (The Kite Runner)

I pass this little pond and cabin weekly on my trek from Coleman Freeman to Joseph Laughter. It's Timber Lake Cabin on Blythe Street - here's what their web site has to say about the cabin:

"Timberlake is your sweet vacation getaway, with private lake and secure, pet friendly site. Embraced by a hundred acre wood, yet just minutes (1.6 miles) to downtown Hendersonville, where you find unique shops, award-winning restaurants and numerous services. No matter what you choose to do on your vacation, Timberlake and the surrounding Blue Ridge mountains will satisfy."

105/365 ~ Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon. - Doug Larson

I love the quote but realize that the green veggies can be pretty good especially when they are fresh off the local farms. Every spring we anxiously await the re-opening of the corner produce market. This year we've already been by twice for green peppers and zucchini. I'll be honest though, one of my favorite things at this PRODUCE market is the BANANA PUDDING ice cream - haha - hey, bananas are produce, too :)

106/365 ~ Outstanding Hospitality & Tourism Manager

Amy with one of her professors, Sandra Grunwell, after receiving the Outstanding Hospitality and Tourism Major Award today at WCU. So proud of her!!

93-99/265 Days of Photos

2011-04-17T11:35:00.002-04:00

99/365 ~ Yogi Bear for President!

Today we went to the National Mall and found everyone preparing for the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. Yogi was poised to take over the Capitol ... maybe he'll run for President in 2012. He's got my vote!

97/365 ~ Sugar

I said sugar and they said sugar ... I meant kisses and they meant candy ... we have a win-win relationship :)

96/365 ~ Homemade Green Medicine anyone?

Just wondering who all at there recognizes this run down doorway as the entrance to what used be a haven for the sick and weary? It's Ole Doc Norton's place of course. Did you know that the green medicine he gave us all is now patented and sold commercially? It's called Donatal and it's now purple and tastes better from what I've been told.

95/365 ~ Wow, You Should Really Do Something About That Slice!

When the golf ball is slicing to the right, that means it's curving in a left-right motion across the sky. For the ball to do this, it must be spinning in a clockwise direction. A tornado, or twister, is a violent, dangerous, rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud. One of these wicked rotations obviously hit the Etowah Valley Golf Course overnight, leaving in its wake a path of twisted and uprooted trees.

EVCC holds a dear place in my heart. It was one of the first jobs I took after the kids started to school and Hayes and Rick and Frank and John have remained some of my closest buddies. I love them and I love being on this course. It's where I got caught in a lightening storm and got absolutely drenched. It's also where I left a permanent scar on my bosses' forehead while he tried to teach me how to chip. It's just one of those places I always go back to when I need an old friend (kind of like my Charleston in the mountains.) Needless to say, I had a few tears today while snapping these photos.

94/365 ~ Breakfast for Dinner

I love having breakfast for dinner; especially when it means having some of these delicious rich egg yolk green and brown eggs! The eggs are the product of Araucana chickens raised in Tennessee. Toby at Mattress Outlet told me about them and we had the farmer bring us ten dozen to split. They are delicious. Below is a little bit more about these cool blue, green and brown egg laying chickens:

The Araucana, also known in the USA as a South American Rumpless,[1] is a breed of chicken originating in Chile. The Araucana is often confused with other fowl, especially the Ameraucana and Easter Egger chickens, but has several unusual characteristics which distinguish it. They lay blue eggs, have feather tufts near their ears, and a tail. To comply with the north American standard they must have no tail and are rumpless.

The ancestors of the modern Araucana chicken were purportedly first bred by the Araucanian Indians of Chile — hence the name "Araucana." The Araucana is a hybrid of two South American breeds: the Collonca (a naturally blue-egg laying, rumpless, clean-faced chicken) and the Quetro (a pinkish-brown egg layer that is tailed and has ear-tufts). The Collonca male and female are very similar, with very few secondary sexual characteristics like comb, wattles or tail coverts to distinguish them.

93/365 ~ Cataloochee Elk

Amongst all the beauty I saw today with my three photo shoots was this huge elk. It was my first trip to Cataloochee and I was so excited to see how close these elk are. They just walk right up to you.

The experimental release of elk into Great Smoky Mountains National Park began in February, 2001 with the importation of 25 elk from the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area along the Tennessee-Kentucky border. In 2002, the park imported another 27 animals. All elk were radio collared and were monitored during the eight-year experimental phase of the project. In 2009-2010, the park began developing an environmental assessment of the program and a long-term management plan for elk. Project partners include the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Parks Canada, Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association, Friends of the Smokies, the U.S.G.S. Biological Resources Division, and the University of Tennessee.

86-92/365 Days of Photos

2011-04-17T11:11:00.001-04:00

86/365 ~ Grasping at Straws ... err, I mean Spoons

Yes, it's 11:00 on a rainy Sunday that found me inside all day and looking around the house for something of meaning to shoot at this late hour. I pass by a wall of spoons from the living room to the kitchen a million times a year. Many who visit remark on the collection and ask how long I've been collecting. I started in 2nd grade when we joined the Little River Cloggers. Mama suggested we find something to collect in our travels with the team as well as the vacations they would be taking us on. So how old are you in the 2nd grade? Seven? Then I've been collecting these things for about 37 years? Wow! I have one rack that holds 99 spoons a gift requested by someone special and made by my dad; and several racks that hold 10 or more each. I've got spoons I collected on our trip out across the country when I was 17. I've got a wooden spoon from Russia brought to me by a co-worker at EVCC back in 1996. I have a Scarlet O'Hara spoon sandwiched between Rhett Butler and Elvis spoons. I even have all of my baby spoons lined up with all three of my childrens' baby spoons. The spoons pictured in today's photo of the day are the first ones I collected - they are from our clogging trip to Cherokee, NC and family vacations to Grandfather mountain and Gatlinburg, TN. They need to be dusted and some need to be polished but they're all there and accounted for and most every single one has a memory to be shared. - Taken with Retro Camera App for Android Phones

87/365 ~ Chimney Rock Park in the fog

It was really foggy today down through the gorge. By the time I took this photo and got back down to the road I looked back up and it was completely engulfed in the fog. I was impressed with the fact that I got this close of a shot - thanks to the 70-200 lens I borrowed. Too bad I had the ISO turned up to 6400 - and forgot to reset it - everything is very noisy today!

Privately owned by the Morse family for more than 100 years, Chimney Rock was acquired by the state of North Carolina in 2007 to become part of a larger state park dubbed Chimney Rock State Park. Currently, the 1,000-acre Chimney Rock is one of only two areas of the state park open to the public.

Chimney Rock, the 535-million-year-old monolith for which the Park is named, is considered one of the most iconic sites in North Carolina. From its top, you’ll soak in the 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.

88/365 ~ Little details of our daily life.

Today I've had a monster headache all day. One that some might call a migraine but since I've only had three before this one, I'm not sure I'm qualified to diagnose it. All I know is, after sleeping all day, I woke up craving chocolate. I found a bag of Valentine candy and it was filled with hearts. I'm not a fan of them but when I dumped them out they were so full of love and even though they weren't chocolate they were very sweet! I don't think I've ever taken the time to read them, at least not since I understood the true meaning of soul mate :)!

89/365 ~ There are three easy ways of losing money - racing is the quickest, women the most pleasant, and farming the most certain - Lord Amhearst

For all my elementary school friends - a trip through Little River today found me this barn on 75 acres at the corner of Everett Farm Road and Crab Creek. This is the Shuford's old place and it's now for sale. 75 acres totaling 2.25 million dollars! Wow - Little River is kind of expensive now!

90/365 ~ Saluda Cottages, Flat Rock, NC
Again, I couldn't decide on which view I liked best today so I went with a collage. I would love a chance to visit the inside of this home.

This stately home and estate carries with it a heritage of distinction. Originally constructed in 1836, Saluda Cottage is listed on the National Register Of Historic Places and lies within the heart of the Historic Village Of Flat Rock. It is located next to the Carl Sandburg Estate and National Park, as well as the Flat Rock Theater, the State Theater of North Carolina.

Coastal South Carolinians continued to come to Flat Rock, calling it their "little Charleston of the mountains." They hired local men to build their houses, make furniture, and tend their gardens and livestock. Women and children came the end of May and remained all summer, while men, some of whose names are recorded in the annals of South Carolina’s history, went to and from Charleston as responsibilities allowed. Among them was Count Marie Joseph deChoiseul, the French consul to Charleston. He built Saluda Cottages (panel 21), a small two-story house with two houses for employees just south of it. The deChoiseuls remained at Saluda Cottages until 1841, when "The Castle," where the Countess and her son and daughters would remain year-round, was ready for occupancy. The original house was the center portion of today’s Chanteloup (panel 15). The additions, and the gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, were added by the Norton sisters of Kentucky near the turn of the century.

Saluda Cottages had been so called because it lay near the Saluda Path, the first road to open Saluda Gap to wagons traveling from South Carolina. John Earle, living just across the state line, had been granted land near the "great flat rock" and had built a mill that would play an important part in Flat Rock’s history. Information courtesy of Louise Bailey (http://www.villageofflatrock.org/quiltinfo.htm)

91/365 ~ Biker's Hangout

Spent the day in Saluda and loved this shot of all the bikes lined up outside The Purple Onion while the bikers enjoyed lunch inside. Visit saluda.com for more information about this wonderful restaurant and more in such a wonderful little town.

92/365 ~ I paint from the top down. From the sky, then the mountains, then the hills, then the houses, then the cattle, and then the people.- Grandma Moses

Ditto but with my camera :) View of Roan Mountain or Mount Mitchell, maybe, from Double Island Road, Bakersfield, NC

Went loafin' as my dad would call it and wound up following the quilt trails through Burnsville, Spruce Pine and Bakersfield. Isn't this a magnificent view?

Happy Birthday, Amy

2011-04-12T08:08:00.001-04:00

Love you so much! Have awonderful birthday!

Washington, DC

2011-04-11T22:45:00.002-04:00

Over this past weekend, we decided to take a quick trip to see Washington, DC. I should say, "I decided because Frank had no idea where we were going until we got to the Highway 300 cutover to DC. He was certainly surprised. The National Cherry Blossom Festival was going on but most of the trees had lost their blossoms during all the wind storms. We did finally find a few
down around the Tidal Basin. The whole day was long and cloudy and cold ... and we had packed for Charleston! The first order of the day was to find some sweat pants or jeans for me and a sweatshirt for Frank. Next time - better planning.

Amy's Senior Pics WCU

2011-04-07T22:19:00.002-04:00

I think this one ^^ might be my favorite :)

Yes, I was Chasing Ducks

2011-03-31T23:19:00.001-04:00

flyingduck, a photo by saturnsvu on Flickr.

New lens, faster camera - love this shot! Taken at Patton Park.

79-85/365 Days of Photos

2011-03-26T12:16:00.003-04:00

79/365 ~ Carl Sandburg Home

My first visit to this local landmark! I had a wonderful time today exploring the grounds and getting to know Cady and Kevin, one of the couples whose wedding I will be shooting later this spring. What a lovely property. Kim Maxwell and I are already making plans to visit again soon!

The Carl Sandburg Home NHS is located on 264 acres in Western North Carolina. In addition to tours of the Sandburg Home, visitors can enjoy over five miles of trails, stroll through gardens and greet the descendents of Mrs. Sandburg's dairy goat herd. A typical visit lasts 2 hours.

80/365 ~ A beautiful poison

Beautiful in color and form, the Bradford pear tree is native to Asia. When introduced in the United States as an ornamental tree, it thrived. Wildlife love the fruits of the Bradford or Callery pear and an abundance of trees are spread via birds and squirrels, appearing seemingly out of nowhere overnight.

The Bradford pear tree is known scientifically as Pyrus calleryana. Bradford pears are quick-growing deciduous trees that reach approximately 50 feet high when mature. They produce white flowers and small, inedible fruit.

Bradford pear trees are primarily grown as ornamental trees for their spring flora. The fruits, which are inedible raw, can be used to make wine and seasonings.

Pyrus calleryana seeds are considered mildly poisonous to humans. When ground between the teeth and ingested in large quantities, glycosides in the seeds mix with stomach acid to form cyanide. It is hard for a human to ingest large enough quantities of Bradford pear seeds to cause even a mild reaction. When poisoning does occur, it may manifest as a mild fever, stomach upset and dizziness.

Fun Fact ~ The Sierra Club gave the Bradford pear the moniker of "Frankentree" because these originally sterile trees have hybridized over the years to gain the ability to produce fruit and seed.

81/365 ~ Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer - and often the supreme disappointment. ~ Ansel Adams

So true. What I saw in this photo was layers and layers of colors - the green grass then the golden wheat grass then the white and pink flowered trees then the range of Blue Ridge Mountains all topped with a layer of blue sky and puffy white clouds ... unfortunately I'm not so sure my camera captured all the layers I could see but I did have fun trying and isn't that what this hobby is all about!

82/365 ~ Hide-n-Seek

These ducks look like they are playing the innocent game of Hide-n-Seek. While Mr. Mallard counts to ten, Ms. Mallard cutely ducks her head into her feathers thinking that as long as she can't see him then surely he can't see her, right?

Hide-n-Seek was one of my favorite games as a kid but it always made me feel like I needed to go wee-wee. Something about being sneaky I guess :)

83/365 ~ “An optimist is a person who sees only the lights in the picture, whereas a pessimist sees only the shadows. An idealist, however, is one who sees the light and the shadows, but in addition sees something else: the possibility of changing the picture, of making the lights prevail over the shadows.”

So I'm an Idealist I guess. What I really am is a PHOTOGRAPHER because I see the light and the shadows and I see that they are better as one, that together they bring harmony.

84/365 ~ Lake Jocassee Shoreline

Today we took a motorcycle ride in the car. What? Yes, we wanted to take a ride but the air was a bit chilly for the Yamaha so we took the car and drove down Highway 11 stopping by Jocassee to check on the water levels. It's been a while since we've been to the ramp. It's a favorite dive spot for local scuba fans. I've never been a huge fan of it because I hate the rocky pavement and the hill is a pain with a scuba tank on your back. Today's visit was very different. We were the only ones there and I fell in love with this little pine tree trying to grow through the rocks. I wonder if it feels as out of place in these rocks as I do in a wetsuit? Ha!

85/365 ~ What's on my shelf?

I'm often asked, "How'd you learn to do that?" The answer is often, "I just looked it up on the internet," but there still times when I actually "buy the book." The books that taught me the most about photography and that were written in a language I could understand are by all by Scott Kelby. I've lost or let someone borrow Book 2 but still refer back to books 1 & 3 almost weekly. Kelby's Lightroom book and Matt Kloskowski's Layers books are entertaining and full of neat tricks for photo editing. I find inspiration in 'Charleston' and 'Our State' (honestly, I can't live without reading these EVERY month!) We rarely hop on the Yamaha without checking out at least one of Hawk Hagebak's Motorcycle Adventures books. Of course the thickest and newest book in the stack is the Canon EOS 7D book. I've got A LOT to learn about this new camera and I want to make the best use of every single feature!

If it looks like a duck ....

2011-03-21T15:07:00.002-04:00

I took these duck photos at Jackson Park after the flooding. One of the
photos actually won an award on the FLICKR site where I store my photos
online. It earned me a free membership for the next year :)

72-78/365 Days of Photos

2011-03-21T14:56:00.003-04:00

72/365 ~ Technology on his own pace.
We got AOL.com on our first computer Christmas, 1998. I gave up using it as a primary email and web browser about a year later however it is still the browser of choice by the other computer user in this house. This is the same person who prefers a laptop that is ten years old just because it has a middle scroll button that newer models don't. Oh well he might not be at the forefront of technology but he has at least given up the GIANT MOUSE TRACK BALL :)

73/365 ~ “Once I saw a duck walking down the street so I went into Subway and ordered two pieces of bread, and they informed me that they could not do that, like there was some speical rule at Subway that two pieces of bread weren't allowed to touch. So the woman asked me what I wanted on the sandwich and I said I do not care it is for a duck, and she was like oh then it's free. I was not aware that ducks eat for free at Subway. It's like give me a chicken fajita sub, but don't worry about ringing it up, it is for a duck.”- Mitch Hedberg quotes (American Comedian, 1968-2005)

Spotted these ducks having fun in the flooded lowlands at Jackson Park today. It was cool because they weren't actually on a pond and I could get closer to them. Of course, I now need to buy new dress shoes and my stockings are trashed but hey, don't you just love the reflection in the muddy flood waters?

74/365 ~ It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

Who says you can't take pictures in the rain? Fog is one of my favorite subjects especially when found atop a mountain covered in tall trees. I found these on Randy Drive across the street from where I live (up behind the Highway Patrol's office.) The fog is hiding it but there is a huge boulder behind the trees.

75/365 ~ "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." Psalm 122:1 (KJV)

Picture number 004 with my new Canon 7d. Steeple surrounded by the lifting fog. Penrose, NC.

76/365 ~ A Kiss for Luck ~ Stephanie & Rodney

Stephanie and Rodney were married four years ago today. I asked, "Why St. Patrick's Day?" "It's my favorite holiday," replied Stephanie! Good enough reason for me!

So where did the saying "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" originate? Here are the answers I found on Yahoo's Answers site:

It is a reference to the Blarney Stone. Kissing the Blarney stone brings you good luck so if you can't kiss the stone the next best chance of getting good luck is "kissing an Irish person." (Side Note: The Blarney Stone is the 'Stone of Eloquence' in Blarney Castle, kissing it gives you the ability to never be lost for words, becoming a smooth talker so-to-speak)

And it had this to say about the Luck of the Irish ~

Have you ever heard of "luck of the Irish" people would kiss something like a lottery ticket to get luck! So who has more luck than the Irish! (I am Irish) So people came up with the saying "kiss me I'm Irish" to get luck or to get lucky!!! Haha (:

Actually "luck of the Irish" is an old racist saying that has now been interpreted differently. People said the Irish were lucky when they started having successful business ventures because the stereotype of Irish were that they were too stupid to run businesses and many signs in stores would read "Irish need not apply.

77/365 ~ Self Portrait. That's me in the reflection of Frank's glasses. Of course I'm holding the camera. I love looking at myself through his eyes because even though he sees every flaw and knows where all my wrinkles and rolls are, he loves me just the same.

78/365 - Painting with Light
Believe it or not this was the most interesting thing in the room (to me) today at a photography class that I took in Greenville. Maybe I just get bored too easily :)

65-71/Days of Photos

2011-03-21T14:38:00.004-04:00

I found a new, faster way to upload a week's worth of photos at once so I should do better at keeping the site updated with my 365 shots. One catch - I started out posting the week with the newest photo back, this new way to post actually post in chronological order as the photos are named. Hope that doesn't confuse anyone. Thanks for looking. Enjoy!

65/365 ~ Baby Braelyn
She was born 1/11/11 - it's about time I met her. Less than two months old and she is holding that head up waiting on Aunt Paula to snap, snap, snap. Isn't she a doll?

66/365~ Ms. McGee stands at the ready to pay out big bucks at this year's Vintage Carolina event.
When I was in school, I had five teachers who influenced me greatly. Three of them were English teachers, Ms. McGee being one of those three. I will never forget the two years I spent in her classes. We read 'Gone with the Wind' and it was the start of my love affair with that novel and with reading in general. We dissected poems which led me to always look for the symbolism in poetry. My favorite dissection was "Because I could not stop for death, he kindly stopped for me." Ms. McGee taught us to love Poe, too. I probably still have some of the papers I wrote in her classes and I can still remember sitting in the desks lined up for spelling bees. I formed many of my best friendships during English class with Ms. McGee. When I look back and think about it, I definitely rank her at the top of my class! Thank you, Ms. Shirley McGee for instilling in me a love of learning I still have today!

I chose this as my photo of the day because I know there are many of my friends out there who also had Ms. McGee. I thought you all would appreciate seeing that, while we have all aged dramatically, she looks the same as always!

67/365 ~ Spring has Sprung!! [So sue me, I couldn't pick just one today :)]

The tree on the left is at the in the Walker's yard in Penrose. I had the sunroof open and it smelled so wonderful, I had to get out and take its picture. And the daffodil, or jonquil as my mother calls it, was in full bloom at the Woodfield Inn. Not sure what kind of tree it is but here is the info on the flower we call daffodil.

There are two derivations of the name. One is that of the youth of Greek mythology called Narcissus, who, in at least one of many variations of the tale, became so obsessed with his own reflection as he kneeled and gazed into a pool of water that he fell into the water and drowned. In some variations, he died of starvation and thirst from just sitting by the edge of the pool until he gave out, gazing at his reflection until he died. In both versions, the Narcissus plant first sprang from where he died.

The other derivation is that the plant is named after its narcotic properties (ναρκάω narkao, "to grow numb" in Greek).[6]

The name Daffodil is derived from an earlier "Affodell", a variant of Asphodel. The reason for the introduction of the initial "d" is not known, although a probable source is an etymological merging from the Dutch article "de," as in "De affodil." From at least the 16th century "Daffadown Dilly", "daffadown dilly", and "daffydowndilly" have appeared as playful synonyms of the name.

The name jonquil is sometimes used in North America, particularly in the South,[clarification needed] but strictly speaking that name belongs only to the rush-leaved Narcissus jonquilla and cultivars derived from it.

68/365 ~ Drive
Nothing but an ugly box, right? Wrong. What's in that box is the result of four years of drive. Four years of blood, sweat, and, yes, a few tears. The contents of that box represent my middle child's drive to succeed. And I'm afraid to open it. I'm afraid if I open it I will start to cry. I'm afraid if I open it I will realize that my sweet little mischievous middle child is almost grown. I'm afraid that if I open it she will be gone, moved to Charlotte, and working out in this big old mean world. I think I will wait and let her open it. Then I might not cry. I might just see the big smile on her face and smile with her instead! Come home soon, Amy. Your college graduation invitations are waiting :)

69/365 ~ “What a lovely surprise to finally discover how unlonely being alone can be.” - Ellen Burstyn
It's weird but of all the photos I took today this is the one that speaks to me. Yesterday, Elaine took photos of the falls and they were roaring and I said to myself I need to get over there. I expected to find it deafening but what I actually heard was the quiet. I took a few photos and just sat in this chair quietly watching the water rushing by. Today I traded places with that normally serene and slow moving water. Today I sat still while the water rushed by. It was nice.

70/365 ~ My new toy. Can't wait to learn to use this.
It's for editing photos and a lot more. "Need precision? Pick up the pressure-sensitive pen to edit photos, create personal greetings, make sketches, and mark up documents in your own handwriting." And the great thing about it is that is was bought with gift cards I received for my birthday, Christmas, and United Way donations. Yes, I actually held onto them for almost 6 months. Usually Best Buy gift cards don't last a day in my purse :)

71/365 ~ Nuclear Challenge

Today we ate at Beef O'Brady's in Arden and watched Carolina win again. While we were there, these boys from TC Roberson decided to take the Nuclear Challenge - eat 15 of Beef's hottest wings in 15 minutes. I can't eat one. The guy on the end was sweating something fierce with 6 minutes to go. The fourth guy from the left did it in record time: 2.38 minutes. I asked him if he swallowed the bones, too. Dude, how did he do that. They say redheads are fiery - maybe it's the wings :)

58-64/365 Days of Photos

2011-03-21T14:26:00.003-04:00

64/365 - I love rainy days ... and we really need it!
Umbrella Song
Put up your umbrella
When the rain comes down.
Wear a happy smile
And wipe away a frown.
Splash in all the puddles
And do a little dance.
Rain is just the thing we need
For watering the plants.
~Submitted by Cheryl's Sweethearts ChildCare

63/365 ~ This little piggy went wee, wee, wee, all the way home.
Amanda and I went to Clyde today to see Grandma and Granddaddy and on the way out we took the backroads to the interstate. I found this farm filled with wild turkeys, bulls, cows, baby calves, and pigs of all shapes and colors. Amanda loved the spotted pig. Funny thing was that they followed me all along the fence while I was snapping so I started talking to them and without thinking I said, "You guys like having your picture made don't you? You're such hams!" hahaha - yes sometimes I crack myself up :)

62/365 ~ All roads might lead to liberty but who can afford to get there these days?
Sometimes the shot of the day is very topical. Everywhere I went today, they were changing the signs at the gas stations. $3.49 seems to be the going rate today. I think the signs above the pumps at the Triangle Stops are appropriate - our gas prices are rising in direct correlation with the Libyan people's pursuit of their freedom (liberty).

61/365 ~ Pop's Shoe
This shoe belonged to Frank's grandfather who was born in 1920 - yes, it's really old!! He was called Pop and he was a real character. While going through his old things, he found a 1985 Minolta Maxxum. He had two or three lenses to go with it and a really cool velvet strap. I liked taking pictures before that but when he gave me that camera - my first SLR - my love for photography was born. That was about 10 years ago now. This shoe was Pop's support as he learned to walk; Pop's gift to me was the support I needed to pursue a hobby that not only satisfies me everyday but makes others happy, too. Thanks, Pop, you are missed every day.

61/365 ~ Pop's Shoe
This shoe belonged to Frank's grandfather who was born in 1920 - yes, it's really old!! He was called Pop and he was a real character. While going through his old things, he found a 1985 Minolta Maxxum. He had two or three lenses to go with it and a really cool velvet strap. I liked taking pictures before that but when he gave me that camera - my first SLR - my love for photography was born. That was about 10 years ago now. This shoe was Pop's support as he learned to walk; Pop's gift to me was the support I needed to pursue a hobby that not only satisfies me everyday but makes others happy, too. Thanks, Pop, you are missed every day.

59/365 ~ Biltmore House Under Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
Today was the last day to use the free passes that came with my yearly passholder privileges at the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC. Wouldn't you know it, it started raining and storming and we missed getting to take a lot of pictures outdoors. I did manage to snap this one (actually three shots woven together with Photomatic HDR software) while waiting for the shuttle. Believe me, it was POURING but I think the shot was worth it, it looks so medieval in this lighting.

The celebrated architect Richard Morris Hunt modeled the house on three châteaux built in 16th-century France. It would feature 4 acres of floor space, 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. The basement alone would house a swimming pool, gymnasium and changing rooms, bowling alley, servants' quarters, kitchens, and more.

58/365 ~ Another Sunny Sunday
So hard to believe it was in the 70's on the next to the last day of February. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but I'm afraid March might make us pay for it. Or even worse, April.

Amanda & Grandma & The Honey Dish

2011-03-05T22:01:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday, Angie

2011-03-03T21:24:00.002-05:00

A lot has been said about being sisters. Usually really sweet and sappy things. But I thought these were kind of funny and most likely the way my sister has felt about me more than one time in our 43 years together! Love you baby sister!

Big sisters are the crab grass in the lawn of life. ~Charles M. Schulz

If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child. ~Linda Sunshine

Sisters never quite forgive each other for what happened when they were five. ~Pam Brown

A sister smiles when one tells one's stories - for she knows where the decoration has been added. ~Chris Montaigne

More than Santa Claus, your sister knows when you've been bad and good. ~Linda Sunshine

If sisters were free to express how they really feel, parents would hear this: "Give me all the attention and all the toys and send Rebecca to live with Grandma." ~Linda Sunshine

I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones. ~Author unknown, attributed to a 4-year-old named Lauren

And finally ... a bit of the mushy

Sisters annoy, interfere, criticize. Indulge in monumental sulks, in huffs, in snide remarks. Borrow. Break. Monopolize the bathroom. Are always underfoot. But if catastrophe should strike, sisters are there. Defending you against all comers. ~Pam Brown

Biltmore House Feb '11

2011-03-01T00:28:00.003-05:00

51-57/365 Days of Photos

2011-02-28T23:10:00.006-05:00

57/365 ~ Silly Girls!!

Boy did I need to see my girls after this long week of loss. I really just needed to see their smiling faces. They always make me laugh, especially in these silly glasses!!

56/365 ~ “A cloud cannot cast a shadow unless the sun is shining beyond it”

Just loved the way the clouds were moving across the sky this morning. I found this view off Capps Road which is off Balfour Road up behind Kimberly Clark and the Water Treatment Center.

55/365 ~ There were no lies necessary at Vanessa's memorial service today. She did good while she could and we should all take a lesson from her life. Thank you to her father, her friend, Marcia, and her daughters and the minister for a very moving service celebrating her life.
(Sign on corner of 6th & 7th Avenues.)

54/365 ~ Jesus said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12

The sun setting on the steeple caught my teary eye on the way home today. What an exhausting day it was with all the breaking news and then just as I was heading home I saw Michelle's post that we had lost Lisa Thompson Anderson. I just couldn't hold back the tears any longer. Two beautiful people in one week. Such a sad week but this light shining down just when I needed it was a reminder that He is still in control and He is the light that we all need in times like these.

53/365 ~ Camera Club Meeting.

Tonight there were several members offering tutorials on stretching canvas prints, mounting regular prints and matting. I learned a lot and loved this format. If you are into photography and want to meet with more people who enjoy it, join us at the Chamber of Commerce on the fourth Tuesday of every month. www.cameraclubofhendersonville.com

52/365 ~ Bamboo's long life makes it a Chinese symbol of longevity, while in India it is a symbol of friendship.

Used the cross screen filter that Frank bought for me about eight years ago when I decided I wanted to get more into photography. I can't believe I've never used it before. It's really neat to see the color's of the sun's prism beaming through the bamboo.

51/365 ~ Just Dessert

Tonight I'm giving myself coconut cake for dessert because tomorrow I'm starting Weight Watchers again. My goal is up there and out there but I plan to somehow incorporate my weight-loss journey into my 365 project. Maybe it will be a new food I've learned to enjoy instead of desserts and chips; or maybe a path I've walked for my 30 minutes of daily activity; or maybe even a picture of me on the way down!

Updated Last Three Posts

2011-02-24T01:18:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to let you know that I went back and updated the last three weeks of daily photos with my daily thoughts and journaling. It may take you a while to get caught up. Sorry about the delay, I will try to be better at posting on the weekends to catch you up a week at a time.

If you would like to comment, you should be able to sign in anonymously and comment. Or just email me at paularoberts33@bellsouth.net if you want to respond.

This has been a really rough week. I started Weight Watchers again and I must have prayed for patience because God is certainly sending the trials my way to test it. A wedding on Saturday took my mind off the shocking murder of a sweet friend of mine. The families at the wedding were so sweet and the reception was at Glen Cannon which provided a beautiful background to photograph all of their guests. I think they will appreciate that everyone that was there was photographed.

Today as I was leaving work I found out that another childhood friend, Lisa Thompson (Anderson) had died of complications from pneumonia. She and her brother, Chuck, are two of the people I remember most from when we moved from Penrose to Mills River. They were both so sweet to me. She leaves behind two small children and lots of sad family and friends.

Thanks for still reading this blog. I know I'm not the best at updating but it has served as a great way to keep up with what's going on in our lives for the last few years. Did you know you can click on the dates over to the left and eventually go all the way back to when I first started this thing? Wow. Hard to believe how much everyone has grown and changed.

44-50/365 Days of Photos

2011-02-21T00:36:00.009-05:00

50/365 ~ Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

Tonight our community mourns its loss; but how wonderful it is to know where our friend rests and that we have a God who will comfort us. We love you and miss you already, Vanessa.

Note - it wasn't easy to post a photo tonight but two weeks ago Vanessa told me she had gotten into the habit of looking on FB each night to see the photo of the day and I just didn't want to let her down. What a beautiful, sweet person she was.

49/365 ~ Freedom is never free. ~Author Unknown

A trip to MR Motorcycle for an inspection turned into a quick ride on up to Black Mountain to visit the Western Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery. I remembered seeing it in Mike Dirk's photo when Kade Warriner died and had put it on my list of places to visit. I didn't expect to find his grave amongst the thousands there but I was drawn to this flag waving in the evening wind. When I got over to it, Frank leaned down and read the name and it was Kade's. Then the sun started to set and I felt such a blessing to be near the site of someone so brave from our community. You can see the rest of the photos from this trip by clicking here: Western Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery.

48/365 ~ I don't think I've ever seen a barn so bright and green ...

Taken near East Fork Baptist Church where I will be doing a wedding this coming weekend. Marianne Van Wingerden has asked me to help her again. After we checked out the church we just had to go back and photograph this great green barn. Had lots of fun. Here is a link to the rest of the photos we took that day: It Ain't Easy Bein' Green

47/365 The Sand Dollar

A memory captured during one of our trips to the coast. Walking around outside today, wishing for spring's permanent return, I caught a glimpse of this sand dollar laying on our window frame. Makes me want to get away ... soon!

Upon this odd-shaped seashell a legend grand is told, about the life of Jesus, that wondrous tale of old. At its center you will see, there seems to be a star, like the one that led the shepherds and wise men from afar. Around its surface are the marks of nails and thorns and spear, suffered by Christ upon the cross; the wounds show plainly here. But there is also an Easter lily, clear for us to see, the symbol of Christ's resurrection for all eternity.

46/365 ~ Sunset and fire on the mountain. World's Edge/Judes Gap.

I just had to go see it. It was my first time on World's Edge and the view is amazing. I just hate to see the fire's destruction. Praying all stay safe who are fighting the blaze as well as those who's homes are nearby.

"As of 5 p.m. today, the fire had encompassed 550 acres, and could triple in size as fire crews extend fire lines to navigate the rugged mountain terrain. Three bulldozers and about 75 firefighters were working the scene this afternoon, David Brown, fire information officer for the State Fire Service, said from his cell phone at the intersection of Coopers Gap Road and Burgess Road near the Sunny View community, where plumes of smoke were clearly visible. Crews from Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Edneyville and Sunny View fire departments continue to assist in the operation, as is Henderson County Emergency Services." ~ Gary Clancy, Times-News, BlueRidgeNow.com

45/365 ~ A hundred hearts would be too few
To carry all my love for you. ~Author Unknown

Happy Valentine's Day. What kind of bug would you love? A lov bug of course - my card from Xyla and Harmony, so cute and filled with lots of lov bugs. Frank's is the Spongebob Heart Head card - they know the way to his heart - especially when combined with Ferrero Rocher Imported Chocolates. It's great to be grands!

44/365 ~ Family Tree

It's not a take on any of Ansel Adam's masterpieces but hey, it is b/w :). I just love this big tree hovering over the barn. Right now it looks domineering but in the summer its shade will be a welcome comfort. Perhaps that's how we see our parents through the years. As we grow, or change seasons, we start to realize they weren't there to rule over us, but to protect us.

37-43/365 Days of Photos

2011-02-21T00:13:00.006-05:00

43/365 ~ Self Portrait
This is my photo of the day for February 12, 2011. I chose this photo because I was proud of myself for getting out of the house and riding even though I knew it was going to be cold; I was proud of myself for being willing to set the timer on my camera and jump in front of it; and I was proud of myself for remembering to take at least 12 good photos on 12 of 12 day for the second month in a row. This is me ... straight out of the camera!

42/365 ~ Everyone must believe in something. I believe I'll go canoeing - Henry David Thoreau

There is nothing, absolutely nothing
Half so much worth doing
As simply messing about in boats
~ "Wind in the Willows"

Found these boats dry docked and waiting for Spring's return at Beechwood Lakes. You can see more photos I took at Beechwood Lakes by clicking here: Beechwood Lakes

41/365 ~ "When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us." -- Alexander Graham Bell

I think this is an appropriate saying because I made the trip today to talk to a new advertiser who will be carrying a product that an advertiser who is going out of business used to carry. We were kind of down about losing the old advertiser but I'm excited about the possibility of a partnership with the Watsons of Chesnee, SC and Columbus, NC. They are a really nice family and their showroom in Chesnee is just beautiful.

This photo was taken at an abandoned building just as you get into Chesnee off Hwy. 11. I took a few more pics on this little trip. If you would like to look at them, click here: To Chesnee and Back

40/365 - This Day in History

Today our local radio station, WTZQ, is running a Beatles' marathon in celebration of The Beatles' first Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964. Pictured are George Henry, Program Director, and Terry Wetton, Host of Local Artist Showcase, who added authenticity to this morning's broadcast with his British heritage and accent.

This was the date of The Beatles' record-breaking first live appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, at Studio 50 in New York City.

"Seventy-three million people were reported to have watched the first show. It is still supposed to be one of the largest viewing audiences ever in the States. It was very important. We came out of nowhere with funny hair, looking like marionettes or something. That was very influential. I think that was really one of the big things that broke us - the hairdo more than the music, originally. A lot of people's fathers had wanted to turn us off. They told their kids, 'Don't be fooled, they're wearing wigs.' - Paul McCartney, The Anthology

"A lot of fathers did turn it off, but a lot of mothers and children made them keep it on. All these kids are now grown-up, and telling us they remember it. It's like, 'Where were you when Kennedy was shot?' I get people like Dan Aykroyd saying, 'Oh man, I remember that Sunday night; we didn't know what had hit us - just sitting there watching Ed Sullivan's show.' Up until then there were jugglers and comedians like Jerry Lewis, and then, suddenly, The Beatles!

39/365 - Today's forecast: Sunny and Windy

This week's DPS 365 Assignment is "The Weather Outside" - Driving home from Brevard today, I took the backroads again and spotted this Silver Grass (at least that's what I think it is, if you know different, please let me know.) I thought the way the sun was shining on the obviously bent over golden reeds was the perfect way to show today's weather.

38/365 ~ Coin Laundry on Maple Street, just off 7th. I love finding the old store fronts and signage in Hendersonville. Some of them like this one were painted on but have stood the test of time. What I really get curious about are those that are carved in stone. Did they really think they were going to be there forever? That no other business would ever inhabit that building? The worst offenders are the banks - I'll post some of those soon.

This Coin Laundry (Currently David Huntley Office) is directly across the street from our Train Depot. Pretty handy for getting off the dusty trains when you were covered in suet from the coal burning engines.

Seventh Avenue East developed as a commercial district during the late 19th and early 20th centuries around Hendersonville’s first depot, established in 1879. The majority of the buildings are simple one and two-story brick commercial and warehouse structures in the typical pattern of buildings connecting to each other. There are thirty-two contributing structures.

37/365 ~ Super Bowl Sunday

What better way to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday than watching these cute little seven-year-olds playing a bit of flag football on a beautiful sunny afternoon?

The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League (NFL), the highest level of professional American football in the United States, culminating a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather than the year in which it is held. For example, Super Bowl I was played on January 15, 1967, following the regular season played in 1966, while Super Bowl XLV will be played on February 6, 2011, to determine the champion of the 2010 regular season.

The game was created as part of a merger agreement between the NFL and its then-rival league, the American Football League (AFL). It was agreed that the two leagues' champion teams would play in an AFL–NFL World Championship Game until the merger was to officially begin in 1970. After the merger, each league was redesignated as a "conference", and the game was then played between the conference champions.

The day on which the Super Bowl is played is now considered a de facto American national holiday, called "Super Bowl Sunday". It is the second-largest day for U.S. food consumption, after Thanksgiving Day. In most years, the Super Bowl is the most-watched American television broadcast; Super Bowl XLIV, played on February 7, 2010 between the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts, became the most-watched American television program in history, drawing an average audience of 106.5 million viewers and taking over the spot held for twenty-seven years by the final episode of M*A*S*H. The Super Bowl is among the most watched sporting events in the world, primarily due to mostly North American audiences, and is second to football's UEFA Champions League final as the most watched annual sporting event worldwide.

Because of its high viewership, commercial airtime during the Super Bowl broadcast is the most expensive of the year. Due to the high cost of investing in advertising on the Super Bowl, companies regularly develop their most expensive advertisements for this broadcast. As a result, watching and discussing the broadcast's commercials has become a significant aspect of the event. (From WikiPedia)

30-36/365 Days of Photos

2011-02-21T00:07:00.009-05:00

36/365 ~ Spent February 5th with my two best buddies celebrating Melanie's (and Rick's) birthday. We had a wonderful time at dinner at Carrabbas and then be broke in Becky's new Crown Royal table and stools. Happy Birthday, Melanie and Rick!

35/365 ~ Patience. "No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn." ~ Hal Borland

Ice coated Magnolia leaf found at Shepherd & Sons Funeral Home today.

34/365 ~ The Cat in the Window, Jordan's Lane, Hendersonville

Gentle eyes that see so much,

paws that have the quiet touch,

Purrs to signal "all is well"

and show more love than words could tell.

Graceful movements touched with pride,

a calming presence by our side --

A friendship that takes time to grow --

Small wonder why we love them so.

~ Author Unknown ~

33/365 ~ The Amaryllis is also known as the belladonna lily or naked lady. The genus has two species and the more famous of the two, Amaryllis belladonna, is a native of South Africa, particularly the rocky southwest region near the Cape. Thank you to Jean Owenby at Forget Me Not Florist on Asheville Hwy for allowing me to come in a photograph her beautiful flowers. And even though it was obvious she was closing up, she patiently let me snap, snap, snap until I got the perfect angle for this amaryllis.

32/365 ~ Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter. ~Ansel Adams

Today's story was fog and drizzle. I love lines and I loved the way these power towers disappeared into the fog. I'm sure if you're from Brevard you know where I am. I decided to take the back roads home today.

31/365 ~ Tulip Still Life

The theme for this week's DPS 365 Assignment is Still Life: Flowers. This is my first attempt and it probably sucks. I stole the flower from the arrangement at our lobby desk, propped it up on a frame on my desk, dropped my black coat behind and turned on the desk light and shot. The color of the tulip is spot on, so for that I am grateful. It's resting on one of my favorite photos of me and Frank so I like it just for that. Tada - 31 days in a row completed. Bring on February!

30/365 ~ Kisses for Mommy

A kiss from me,

a kiss to you;

a kiss for

everything you do.

A kiss for love,

for wrongs and rights;

a kiss and a hug

for a mommy who's smile is so bright.

You can see lots more of the sweet photos of Joanna & Ethan's family, including some of the cutest pictures of Frank ever taken (he and Xyla were having a cute-fest) by clicking here: Playing with the Seagles

23-29/365 Days of Photos

2011-01-30T16:06:00.003-05:00

29/365 ~ Key Memories
I remember when I was in the 5th grade, my parents bought me a used typewriter from a sale being held at some government agency. It was green and had keys just like these. I found it in their closet before Christmas and typed several letters and notes on it long before "Santa" had a chance to leave it under our tree. It's funny when I think back to all the things I loved as a child that I still love today. Even though I'm not the reporter I thought I would be, I still get to work at a newspaper ... too bad it's a newspaper in the 21st century and not one in the early 19th century when the pecking of these keys was a sure sound of a busy newsroom. Taken at Wedge Studio in the River Arts District, Asheville, NC

28/365 ~ Papaw's Daddy's Farm
This is the view from the back door of my great grandfather's home in Bethel. I remember this view from my childhood the most. I also remember the smell of fresh cow's milk sitting on the back porch chilling. I have a picture of my grandfather, whom I called "Papaw's Daddy," wearing a suit but in real life I only remember him in overalls. I was born on his 67th birthday - maybe that's why my favorite clothes are overalls!

27/365 ~ American Made
I'm not sure what kind of car this is but I'm hoping it's American made with that flag tucked into the hood so neatly. Taken near Laurel Park today.Note - found out later in the day that the car is owned by Chuck Freeman and it is a 1961 Comet.

26/365 ~ New Technology
Picture 3 of 365 was my old crown after falling out - Today I got its replacement! Who knew dental technology had come so far. Truly, this was amazing to watch Daina design my crown on this program called Cad Cap. My new crown is tooth colored instead of silver or gold - that was a happy surprise. I made this picture of the day because it really made my day to have a dentist appointment that didn't send me into orbit in pain. Dr. Meinhold and Daina have accomplished something NO other dentist has ever done for me.

25/365 ~ Just when I think the day is a waste because of all the rain, I spot this lonely tire swing at a farmhouse just off 191 in Mills River and it reminds me of this sweet poem:

THE TIRE SWING
A poem by Zach McClure
He gazed across, The wind-swept meadow
To a lone tree, Standing there
Its jagged, silhouette, Surrendered ‘neath
A sky more firey embered, Than his flaming hair
Which crowned him then, But it was neither tree nor sky
That stole his youthful eye.
It was the tire swing, Whispering, promising,
“With-me, you can fly!”
The boy lept across the meadow, Like a deer panting for water,
Till at last, He climbed aboard his dream.
His round, black, holed, Flying machine.
Then, holding tight, And bending to and fro
With all his might, Began to drive
Began to glide against, The sinking sun
Till it was night outside, Across the starry littered sky
Beneath the moon’s soft lullaby, Ascending ever higher
Make believing, He’s a flyer,
He smiles, As he tips a wing. He is an aviator. He is the sky king!
And all because of one, Old tire swing.

24/365 ~ St. John in the Wilderness, Flat Rock, NC:
When I first decided I wanted to take my hobby of photography to a more serious level (back in 2002) I went to talk with a man named Bill Logan. Mr. Logan was an older photographer who had interned under the great Ansel Adams. He gave me an assignment - "Go take pictures of churches and come back and see me in a week." So I did and this church was one of my first stops. I came back in with a shot like this of the shutters and the urns and he said, "You didn't take pictures of churches." I said, "You didn't want me to literally just take pictures of the buildings, did you?" He said, "Good Girl. I will take you on as a student. These are wonderful." He preceded to tell me that in all of his years taking photos at the church, he had never shot this grouping at this angle. I owe a lot to him for giving me the courage to keep shooting. I took the first photo on Ilford Delta 400 B/W film and developed them myself under his guidance. This time it was shot digitally and "developed" in Lightroom.

Church History: In 1836, twenty members of the summer colony formed themselves into a parish and the Barings deeded the church to the new Episcopal Bishop of Western North Carolina. This made it the oldest Episcopal church in that diocese. Since that time the church became known as St. John in the Wilderness for St. John the Baptist.

It is noteworthy that before Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, servants and white families worshiped side by side in the church pews. In fact the first wedding held in the church was that of two slaves. In addition an area was made available by the Barings for the graves of servants and later freedmen on the church burial ground.

So rapid was the growth of Flat Rock community in those early days that the length of the church was doubled in 1852. Much to the surprise of the people already buried up next to that east side. The church was simply extended over them.

23/365 ~ Birthday Boy Matthew - today is my son's 19th birthday. At lunch his dad corrected me to say he was 9 pounds, 5 ounces - whatever - I'm the one who was in all the pain and if I want to add 5 ounces to the story I will :) jk. He was a big baby but he was worth it. Happy Birthday, Matter

Haywood County Visit

2011-01-29T00:01:00.004-05:00

Today I had to meet Amanda to pick up Matthew and take him to the doctor. Since she was observing at Bethel Middle School, I got to take a few pictures in Canton and Bethel.

Really creepy looking house across from the cemetery on the road that goes to Aunt Pat's.

The house we lived in when I was three or four. I remember Daddy stumping his toe coming into our room and saying a bad word, haha. I also remember getting the switching of my life after leaving the backyard to go visit the neighbors. Hey, I was just being social!

The Barn in front of Grandpa Burnette's house

This is the view from the back door of my great grandfather's home in Bethel. I remember this view from my childhood the most. I also remember the smell of fresh cow's milk sitting on the back porch chilling. I have a picture of my grandfather, whom I called "Papaw's Daddy," wearing a suit but in real life I only remember him in overalls. I was born on his 67th birthday - maybe that's why my favorite clothes are overalls!

Miss the bees out front

Shut the barn door!

To me that says Papaw's Daddy's Drive :)

American Made

2011-01-27T17:35:00.003-05:00

I wonder if anyone knows what kind of car this is?

St. John in the Wilderness

2011-01-25T00:43:00.002-05:00

Yesterday my client list took me to the Flat Rock side of town. I had about 30 minutes between appointments so I decided to stop at the St. John in the Wilderness church. Hope you like these.

Happy Birthday, Matthew!

2011-01-23T13:03:00.003-05:00

Can't believe you are 19!

15-22/365 Days of Photos

2011-01-22T22:23:00.004-05:00

This week was a big week for me as I was presented with the Ambassador of the Year award by the Chamber of Commerce! I also found a great farm in Mills River and luckily I remembered to keep my camera (and memory card) with me at all times. Enjoy Week Three:

22/365 ~ 19 years ago today I was four and a half hours into sixteen and a half hours of labor that would soon produce a 9 pound, 10 ounce bouncing baby boy who would one day fill theses size 11.5 Nikes. Whew!!

21/365 ~ A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. Proverbs 14:1

Some days my job offers me a chance to meet some wonderful people who've led extraordinary lives. Yesterday was one of those days. This is Dana Carpenter, a resident at the Villas at Lake Pointe Landing and one of the most interesting people I've spent time with in a while. She showed me her home and told me her story and I just took it all in. When I asked if she had any advice for the younger generation, she replied, "Find your bliss," as she held her hand over her heart. She added, "Listen. Listen to your heavenly Father. He will lead you." Look for this beautiful lady's story in an upcoming ad for Lake Pointe Landing.

20/365 ~ So yesterday this award was presented to me at the Ambassador's meeting and then promptly taken away from me so they could give it back to me tonight as a substitution for the bigger one - Ambassador of the Year - which should be here soon according to Mitsy. Thank you to Mitsy for trusting me to be an Ambassador. I love it!!

Here's my part in the article in our paper (by Leigh Kelley) ~ The Chamber of Commerce/United Community Bank Ambassador of the Year Award went to Paula Roberts with the Times-News. The award recognizes ambassadors for each quarter of the year and an ambassador of the year. Quarterly selection and yearly recipients are based on the number of points an ambassador earns through attending and assisting with chamber-related functions and activities.

Roberts, who has been with the Times-News Advertising Department for five years, said she was “honored” to serve as an ambassador for the Chamber.

“Having lived in Western North Carolina all my life, I was honored to be asked to be an ambassador for our local Chamber this past July,” she said. “I love volunteering for the United Way and I thought the ambassador role would offer more opportunities for me to volunteer. Being the Ambassador of the Year is like an extension of my job and falls directly in line with my desire to promote business and industry in Hendersonville.”

19/365 ~ Ryland Novak, Skateboarder

I met Ryland and his mom, Cindy, when I spontaneously decided to check out the skateboard park at Patton on my way home today. I've never been to it and thought I might be able to get some shots. I wasn't the only one there and I kept getting in a fellow camera clubber's way so I only got a few shots but I can't wait to go back.

Ryland and his mom were super sweet to let me take his picture. He and I share a strong dislike of excema and we bonded quickly. His mom is a scrapbooker, too, as I noticed on her FB wall. Today I met someone new. Two someone news! It was a good day.

18/365 ~ Mills River Farmhouse caught my eye from the road. I must have snapped about 30 pictures before the Sheriff's Deputy kindly tooted his horn to get me out of the middle of the road ... oopsy.

17/365 ~ Main Street Project - according to an article by John Harbin, dated January 5, 2011, in the Times-News, "The project, which covers six blocks, will be completed over the next four years. Two blocks will be finished each year from January through April until all the sidewalks from First to Sixth avenues have been finished. In the final year, workers will repave all of Main Street and install new crosswalks, again from January through April.

The project began Monday and was approved by City Council last year. In addition to resurfacing the sidewalks, repairs in the renovation project include removing and replacing large portions of sidewalk, replacing old and failing street lamps, removing remaining overhead wires, replacing diseased or damaged trees, removing and replacing sub-standard storm drainage system, abandoning a 75-year-old water line, repaving the street and parking bays, installing new high-visibility brick pattern crosswalks and realigning sidewalk ramps with the crosswalks."

16/365 ~ Pink Tag Sale. Lucky me got to go shopping in Greenville on Saturday and there were lots of clearance items. I got two new sweaters, two pair of dress pants, and one pair of pink jeans.

15/365 ~ First Phở - our first time trying Phở. We've watched Anthony Bourdain eating it too many times not to try it once we found the restaurant in Greenville. It's called Phở 99 and it was delicious!

Phở (Vietnamese pronunciation: [fə̃ː] is a Vietnamese noodle soup, usually served with beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga). The soup includes noodles made from rice and is often served with basil, lime, bean sprouts, and peppers that are added to the soup by the consumer.

The origin of phở is uncertain, and is mostly culled from oral histories. While a distinctly Vietnamese dish, phở has French and Chinese influences. Still, the consensus among academics, diners and restaurateurs is that it originated about a century ago in northern Vietnam.

The specific place of origin appears to be southwest of Hanoi in Nam Dinh province, then a substantial textile market, where cooks sought to please both Vietnamese (local rice noodles - originally of Chinese origin) and French tastes (cattle before the French arrival being beasts of burden, not frequently sources of beef). It was originally sold by venders from large boxes, until the first phở restaurant was opened in the 1920s in Hanoi.

8-14/365 Days of Photos

2011-01-17T19:51:00.001-05:00

This week I had lots of fun with all of the snow in our area and with a bunch of old trains I found. Hope you enjoy Week 2:

Day 14: Hendersonville Train Depot - original yellow color this building was started in 1902 and at it's peak as many as 600 campers at a time would go through its gates on their way to the many camps in our area.

Day 13: Dunlop Farm off Hillgirt Street behind our apartment; four days after the snow and it's still pretty thick around here.

Day 12: Times-News boxes await their daily papers - it's been rough on the carriers this week. If you haven't gotten a paper, please be understanding. The roads in the middle of the night just aren't safe and really, should they be risking their lives when you can get the news online atwww.blueridgenow.com? (Yes, that was a shameless plug!)

Day 11: Red Barn Farm: A trip to Brevard was welcomed as it gave me a chance to take this awesome red barn's picture. This is just up the road from where I grew up on Hwy 280 in Mills River.

Day 10: Snow Bunnies - love it when Joanna and Xyla visit - especially when Xyla is cold and asks for tot cocolate (hot chocolate)

Day 9: Stuck inside so I may my girls be my models - they do it so well!

Day 8: Black Ice - an icicle hanging from my awning

1-7/365 Days of Photos

2011-01-17T19:50:00.001-05:00

Day 7: Move in day at WCU for Matthew

Day 6: Hendersonville Fire Department taking wreath off City Hall

Day 5: Just a hint of perfume - one of my Christmas presents from Frank

Day 4: Going Home

Day 3: My 35 year old crown came out - guess where my income taxes will be spent?

Day 2: Shadow Dancing

Day One: 11:11 pm on 1/1/11

Visit my 365 Blog to see this Week's Daily Photos

2011-01-14T23:53:00.002-05:00

Click here to visit my other blog where I'm choosing one photo per day to post:

http://365days365pics.blogspot.com/

Let me know what you think - once in a while leave a comment so I know you all are still out there :)

IDEALS!!!

2011-01-13T20:03:00.002-05:00

I was eating lunch today with Ellen Seagle and she thinks I such do a photo book of my shots of Hendersonville. She said she is reminded of the Baker Barber Collection and thinks that I'm this generations "Baker-Barber." She said I was ideal for the part! That's when it hit me. IDEALS. That was the name of those books I loved so much! Cool! Too bad they don't print them anymore. So if you're ever at a flea market or garage sale and you see one, pick it up for me (if it's cheap, of course.)

12 of 12 January 2011

2011-01-13T07:49:00.002-05:00

While working on this layout last night, I was reminded of a book I used to LOVE! It was kind of like a magazine because it was published every month. It had these full color full page photos and on each page was a quote or inspirational thought or poem. I couldn't wait to see those and I always found myself wanting to "borrow" them from doctor's and dentist's offices. I am pretty sure my mom even got me a subscription to them at one time. For the life of me, I can't remember what they were called. So, Mama, if you are reading this and you remember, will you please call me and let me know.

That memory made me realize I've always been in love with photography!

Here is the journaling on this month's layout:
My 12 of 12 for January (barely posted on the 12th. Stupid photoshop keeps crashing on me!) Journaling Reads: Breakfast and lunch were pretty lame so I’m glad dinner was from the Caribbean ~ Curry Chicken, Collards & Rice; Gas prices still soaring; Who says people don’t read newspapers anymore? Look at all those paper boxes; Snow on my boots; Snow on the driveway and a Snowman in the yard; What could be better on a snowy day than Vera’s spring collection catalog? And I found another pic for my Rusty & Crusty Album! One last thing - does anyone else think the Parents with Children Sign at Ingles is redundant?

Who's on Snow Patrol?

2011-01-10T04:50:00.003-05:00

Check out Amanda & Amy playing in the snow at 3:30 in the morning! It's piling up here at the rate of an inch every half hour!!

My Life in Pictures

2011-01-08T22:11:00.003-05:00

You can follow my year in pictures at the following link: http://365days365pics.blogspot.com/

I have pledged to take at least one photo per day for 365 days. Crossing my fingers I don't forget a day!

Matthew now at WCU

2011-01-08T21:37:00.006-05:00

So yesterday we took Matthew to WCU to get moved into his room, if you can call it a room. It's pretty small. It snowed all day but never did seem to stick, at least not until we were ready to leave and then it got really bad, really fast. We drove from Sylva to Asheville in one lane of traffic at 20 mph.

Matthew will be taking English, Music, Nutrition & Wellness, Economics, & Communications this first semester at Western.

It was so hard to look back at him sitting in that room all by himself. It was as if we were shutting a jail cell door when we closed the door behind us. YES, of course I cried. And I'm crying now as I write this. It was much easier with Amanda and Amy because they had each other. I know he will be fine and he will be with some of his high school friends within a week but last night we left him in an empty room. About 30 minutes after we got home we heard that Monday classes were cancelled. I felt even worse because now he is up there snowbound, too.

Yes, he will be fine!!!! I know that but I miss him already :(

Sayinig Goodbye to Christmas

2011-01-06T10:34:00.001-05:00

I always wondered how those big ole wreaths get hung up.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T22:31:00.004-05:00

Finally, we got our tree!

2010-12-12T15:48:00.003-05:00

Xyla Turns 3!

2010-12-12T15:26:00.002-05:00

SNOW!!!

2010-12-12T06:34:00.001-05:00

5:30 am and 3 inches on the ground already!!

Old Fashioned Christmas Downtown Hendo

2010-12-03T23:52:00.002-05:00

Biltmore for My Birthday

2010-12-03T23:15:00.002-05:00

Frank took me to the Biltmore House for my birthday! It was a beautiful day and to top it all off, he upgraded my ticket to a year-long pass!!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Celebrating Mama's Birthday

2010-11-13T21:34:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday, Mama!

2010-11-12T00:19:00.000-05:00

I love you!

Happy Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T11:16:00.000-05:00

Halloween II

2010-10-31T18:58:00.002-04:00

Black-eyed Peas - Get it?

The other Roberts' Girls

KC Autumn on Display

2010-10-31T13:44:00.002-04:00

SONY DSC

Trick or Treat

2010-10-30T22:16:00.002-04:00

The Bug Catcher with today's catch!

Watch out, he's got a net

Honestly, have you ever seen a cuter lady bug?

Or a more regal Monarch Princess?

Queen Bee

Stephanie & Rodney and their little flower child, Dare

A Candidate kissing a baby - imagine that!

(Rodney is running for Register of Deeds in Henderson County)

Shawn & Tiffany - Baby on the Way

2010-10-23T16:46:00.006-04:00

Mommy + Daddy = Braelyn

Tiffany and Shawn have a baby girl on the way. Her name is Braelyn and she is due in January, 2011.

Harvest Time

2010-10-17T00:54:00.002-04:00

Kimberly Clark Drive

Autumn in Black & White

Favorite trees at Kimberly Clark

Fields of Gold (Howard Gap Road Farm)

Henderson's Apple Orchard

Old Fitzsimmons Farm

Gateway Arch Views

2010-10-13T18:03:00.004-04:00

Our Mini Trip to St. Louis

2010-10-10T22:08:00.003-04:00

So we had to go pick up a motorcyle that Frank bought on ebay in Illinois. I decided since we couldn't really afford a vacation this year that we go an hour out of the way and at least put our feet in the mighty Mississippi again.

We left Hendersonville around 10:00 on Friday night and drove into St. Louis at 7:30 am CST. The sun was just coming up and I was able to get some pretty awesome pictures for only being there three hours. Tomorrow I will post the pics from the ride to the top of the Arch. Hope these will give you a little taste of St. Louis.

and the reason we went ...

Meet Me at the Fair!

2010-09-17T01:33:00.002-04:00

0

Charleston in HDR

2010-08-28T11:39:00.002-04:00

Typical Two Level Porch on Charleston Single

Burlap and Oyster Shells

Oyster Shells & Dock

The Original Bowens Island Restaurant - Originally built in 1946

Dockside of Bowens Island Restaurant

Old Pepsi Cola Bottles at Bowens Island

Inside the Old Place - Nice view for dinner

We walked to the middle of the Bridge!!!

2010-08-28T11:02:00.002-04:00

The red streak is tail lights of the cars passing by!

The Middle of the Bridge!!!

The moon was still out while we were waiting for the sun to rise

Just love all the lines on this bridge!

The Sun!!

Us with Charleston in the background!

Lady playing with fire on Folly Beach

Bowens Island Sunset

Shrimp Boat Folly Beach

Check it out: I was here for Business After Hours

2010-08-28T04:56:00.001-04:00

And I got the photo!!!

Etowah man arrested after attempting to elude police

Blueridgenow.com

Published: Friday, August 27, 2010 at 12:10 p.m.

Paula Roberts/ TN

Police arrest Zachery Weaver Thursday afternoon after he attempted to elude the authorities on U.S. 64 near Fleming Street

Police arrested a man Thursday afternoon after he attempted to elude the authorities on U.S. 64 near Fleming Street, according to N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Z.S. Garner.

Zachery Weaver, 28, of Etowah was arrested and charged with careless and reckless driving, speeding to elude authorities, driving while license revoked and having a fictitious registration, Garner said.

Authorities gave chase to Weaver shortly after 5 p.m. who was driving his Suzuki motorcycle west on U.S. 64 when he crossed the center line and struck an SUV traveling in the opposite direction.

He lost control and crashed into a nearby road sign.

Police arrested Weaver who suffered only minor injuries.

The investigation is ongoing and further charges are pending.

Trust & Luck Sunday Drive

2010-08-16T00:13:00.002-04:00

Sunday Drive - Trust & Luck

2010-08-15T21:13:00.004-04:00

Breakfast @ Grandma's

2010-08-08T16:26:00.003-04:00

Today, I was craving cheerios but I knew it was a waste of time since I still don't have any tastebuds. My solution was to scrapbook the cheerios Mama made me. I thought it turned out well and so I entered it into the online crop and I won $5.00 gift certificate for it! Sometimes my cravings pay off ... and I didn't even have to have the calories that go with it!

Together Again

2010-08-03T01:30:00.004-04:00

(l to r) Mary Morris Davis, Me, Joanne Gordon Martin, Nancy Waldrop Frady. It's been about 20 years since all four of us were together. I had such a wonderful time on Saturday evening. I will post a few more of my favorites later this week.

Happy Birthday, Zack!

2010-07-26T00:47:00.003-04:00

I can't believe you are 20 years old today! So grown up! Hope you have a wonderful day!

Summer's Bounty

2010-07-25T00:05:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Daddy!

2010-07-23T23:49:00.003-04:00

Today's Faves

2010-07-19T15:53:00.002-04:00

This morning I got to take the last of the United Way campaign 2010 shots. The gentleman is Winthrop and he was just a crazy, sweet man! We had lots of fun and finished just before the rains came.

Amy's visit to Cascade Lake

2010-07-18T23:21:00.002-04:00

Amy and Sheldon came home this weekend to camp at Cascade Lake with some of their friends. We loaded up the truck with the grill and headed to no-cellphone-ville. It was weird to just be in touch with nature for a little while. I didn't realize that Hooker Falls was part of Cascade Lake. I'm sure Mom & Dad took me there before but I just don't think I ever put it together that they were the same place. I got to ride a boat up to the falls and take some pictures, too. We grilled brats and had a wonderful afternoon. Here are a few of the shots I got. I was so happy to see Amy!!!

What the Duck

2010-07-18T09:54:00.003-04:00

This guy nails the photography humor. I love it when people ask me technical stuff about my camera because basically even though I use a big pretty camera, I'm just a point and shoot ... and shoot ... and shoot .... and shoot kind of girl. Sure, I would love to have more and better equipment but the truth is, it's not the camera, it's the person behind the camera and this cartoon gets it!

Today's Favorite Photos

2010-07-17T23:46:00.002-04:00

Of course, this is my number one favorite!

Cousin Francine visiting from Nevada; Frank, Helen, Art & Tiffany

Above are the nieces of Karen Snyder ... see below pic with her mother and her daughter ... I was asked yesterday to take her wedding photos after her first photog bailed on her. What a lovely family.

The Newlyweds - Karen & Michael

Princess Harmony in Cinderella

2010-07-11T23:55:00.003-04:00

Live United ... and catch up on your blog!

2010-07-09T00:01:00.007-04:00

Okay, I know there are those out there who want to read my blog so I'm going to try and catch you up. I have been sick with a nasty cold for two weeks. Last Saturday, I discovered I had lost my taste buds and my sense of smell. This is not fun. I'm hungry but nothing satisfies me. The other bad part is I don't smell things cooking ... or burning I should say. I was making garlic bread one night last week and Frank started sniffing and I said what's wrong and he said, "I think something is done." Sure enough it wasn't burnt but it was quite crispy. I never smelled it at all. Then you know how you ALwAYS smell milk before drinking it or even giving it to someone else to drink? Uh, yea, that doesn't work either. Like I said, not fun!

So what else have I been up to? I was chosen for two photography assignments. The photo up top is from one of them. Pam Daubert and Ruth Birge (our former TN Publisher) have hired me to shoot the environmental shots promoting the United Way. I have had so much fun doing them.

Two weeks ago I got to shoot the Live United 10K run and two of my photos were used in the monthly newsletter. You can click that if you want to see them.

Then on Thursday, I got to take photos of Jan King, the principal at Glen Marlow. What an awesome lady.

Then we went to a house being built for Tristan and Lilliana in the Three Seeds neighborhood off Oak Grove Road. Such a beautiful mother and daughter. They are both so excited about their new home. That's them in the top photo. Stunning, right?

I also photographed Pat Kennedy the director of Housing Assistance. He was funny and with Pam's help we got the exact shot we both had been hoping for.

I love it when a shoot comes together.

I also learned yesterday that I was chosen to lead the World Wide Photo Walk in downtown Hendersonville this year on July 24 (my daddy's birthday). Now I get to put together a one mile walk and gathering afterwards for up to 50 people who might join me. I think we will start at the Historic Courthouse and walk up and down Main Street. So let me know if you want to come walk with me or just click here to taken to the sign up page. The walk is going to be in the late afternoon so we can avoid the harsh lights of a bright sunny day. There will be prizes involved so sign up today!

I'm getting locked up on Wednesday ... please help

2010-06-22T20:56:00.001-04:00

Hi Again, It's me ... Paula ... asking you to help me help MDA! When I was a little girl, every Labor Day, my cousins and I would put on a little show and raise money for the Jerry Lewis Telethon. I'm proud to tell you that this year I'm being locked up...that's right, I'm going behind bars to help Jerry's Kids and MDA. To be released on good behavior I have to raise bail and I need your help! So, I'm sending this out to over 750 people and my thought is that if each of you donate at least $1.00, together we will raise over $750!! Wouldn't it be great to prove the power of the dollar bill? All you have to do is click here to make a secure, online donation before 06/23/10. Your donation will help families living in our community and help guarantee me an early release. I can't wait to add you to my list of contributors. Thanks in advance for your help. Don't hesitate to call or email me with any questions. Together we'll make a difference, Paula Burke Roberts P.S. I'm counting on you, click here to donate. If the link above does not work, please cut and paste the address below into the address bar of your Internet browser. https://www.joinmda.org/hendersonvilleashevillelockup2010/paularoberts33/ We hope you found this message to be useful. However, if you'd rather not receive future e-mails of this nature from JoinMDA.org, please click here or copy and paste the opt-out link into your browser: http://www.joinmda.org/OptOut.aspx