Vacation day April 17th – Wednesday. We really packed a lot into this day! We left Asheville and all dreams of Biltmore behind. But not before stopping back at the Gatehouse gift shop at the entrance to Biltmore. Kathy and I wondered around in there and bought a few items – for me it was basically a coffee table book about Biltmore. It’s a great, practical way to remember our time there with beautiful pictures and descriptions. The world knows I’m not much of a photographer!

Leaving there our original intent was to jump on the Blue Ridge Parkway and take the scenic route. For some reason we thought we could get on at Black Mountain. When we got there we didn’t see any access so we kept driving and ended up in Montreat – a mountain retreat center and college campus. It was one of those places that there is one way in and the same way out! No Thru Way!

We drove around in circles for a while, and finally got directions from a very scary looking (but helpful and nice) man with a huge machete type knife. Yikes! We found the way back out and on the right route to Hudson, North Carolina. In this small mountain town there is an old elementary school that has been turned into a community center, including the Mitford Museum. The museum is all about Jan’s personal life, Father Tim (main character of the books) and Mitford, the fictional town set in – you guessed in! – the mountains of North Carolina!

Jan Karon created Mitford and the plethora of characters that made up Father Tim’s neighbors and parishioners in her Mitford book series. Paul bought the first book – At Home in Mitford – even before it was released for public sale, as he worked for David C. Cook, the publisher who optioned the book initially. Kathy read it and then lent it to me to read. We were both hooked for life.

The museum included a gift shop with everything Mitford – with quotes and pictures and puzzles and soaps and mugs and ornaments and books and you NAME it! It had been years since I had read the series through – there are fourteen books in the series, with several more companion and children’s books. Just standing there took me back to ‘Mitford’ and all the unique characters and personalities. I have since started to re-read the series and am almost done with the first book.

Jan Karon was a great inspiration to me when I attempted to write my books. She had started writing and was published about the age I started seriously writing, years later. Thanks in part to her I kept at it, and eventually Letters to Mary was published. So I took a copy of the book down and left it at the museum for her. The staff said she is still very hands on, even at age 84!

Kelly tries to make tee-shirts for Kathy and I for our vacations, and this year she made Mitford shirts. When we walked into the museum the staff was very excited! They took our picture and sent it to Jan! How fun was that!

It was quite an experience to see all the personal items and stories about her young life, and about the years following. The second room was all about Mitford, with pictures and quotes and artifacts that inspired the story. She even had the original creche that she bought (with several pieces in poor condition) that needed refurbished. Her daughter Candace suggested that they be part of the story (Shepherds Abiding) and that Father Tim could restore them for Cynthia’s Christmas gift! Which she did.

Even her typewriter was there. She was very generous with her possessions to be put on display. That’s her WHOLE LIFE! I loved that little sojourn into the fictional town of Mitford North Carolina! I could go on and on — in fact I just did!

I’ll recap the afternoon’s adventures tomorrow. A lot still to go!

My blessing for today was getting groceries (finally), pulling weeds, and being cozy and snuggled in my lovely home!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMRROW April 26th is:

National Historic Marker Day; National Dissertation Day; National Audubon Day; National Hairball Awareness Day; National Coaster Day; Alien Day; Confederate Hero’s Day; Get Organized Day; Hug an Australian Day; National Ai Day; National Arbor Day; National Garage Day; National Help a Horse Day; National Pretzel Day; Remember Your First Kiss Day; Secretary’s Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Stay up Late Day. Today- I love historic markers, Confederate (and Union) heroes, and I’m always organized. As for hugging an Australian, bring on Keith Urban! I swept my garage today. I don’t personally know any horses, I love pretzels, too. Have a great weekend and God Bless…

I could have stayed at the Biltmore and walked around and just soaked in the ambiance for hours! But we had miles to go and so many things to see and experience.

So we all three hopped on the bus and went back to the parking lot. I grabbed shorts and changed in the restroom – as I was really warm in my jeans. It’s warmer in the south! We drove over to Antler Village – where the two hotels are and more gift shops and food places. We had lunch there – just sandwiches, chips and water. I kept my water bottle!

Driving back down the three mile driveway we saw a herd of cows along the road. I think Biltmore cows are happy cows! And we still had amazing views.

We went into town and bought tickets for the Trolley History Tour of Asheville. I also found postcards and a magnet in the gift shop. Our tour guide was very funny and had a lot of interesting information and great stories. Tons of history of the city. We drove around Asheville for almost two hours, seeing and learning. He was very southern and some of what he said was hard to decipher. But it really was a fun tour.

We had Olive Garden for supper and their cream of chicken soup was very good. I wrote out postcards when we got back to the motel and got organized for the morning. Wednesday would be our Mitford and Mt. Airy day.

Today (vacation day April 16th) was Sir Rege’s birthday! Happy, happy birthday, Sir Regis!

Today, April 24th, is Logan’s birthday. He’s 17 today! Happy birthday Logan, and many more. So proud of who you are. Love you.

My blessing today was getting the grass cut! Yea! Small things are often big blessings.

My azaleas are blooming!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 25th is:

East Meets West Day; Hairstylist Appreciation Day; License Plate Day; National Hug a Plumber Day; National Telephone Day; National Stay up Late Day; National Zucchini Bread Day; Red Hat Society Day; Take Your Son or Daughter to Work Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Sheriff Day. Today – I don’t know any plumbers to hug, but I have a great recipe for zucchini bread. And of course, my life is license plates. Have a wonderful day and God bless…

I didn’t mention yesterday that once we got to the motel and got settled, Kathy and I went out to the patio and played trivia games. She had a ‘First Ladies’ game and a Bible trivia. I held my own but she’s much better at games. We both learned a lot about our First Ladies! It was fun! THEN we went for ice cream.

Biltmore or Bust!

Beautiful day – and the drive to Biltmore was amazing. Bamboo, flowering trees, plants, and vistas lined the three mile drive up to the estate. The plan included getting to a parking lot and boarding a shuttle that takes guests to the estate. My first sight of the mansion was thrilling!

The fountain was not on when we got there, but came on shortly after. We had a while to wait for our tour time, so we went into the Sables and settled in. Paul found a table in the shade to wait it out. Kathy and I walked through all the gift shops. There were so many things to see. We found Biltmore pencils – Kathy loves pencils! Also found books and mugs and magnets and tee shirts and chocolate and just about anything you can think of.

Our tour time was 10:45am – and they were very strict about not letting anyone in line before the appointed time. We heard that 3,000 visitors were expected at the estate Tuesday. It was actually fun standing in line, looking up at the amazing turrets and windows and stonework. Wow. Thankfully it was not too hot to stand in the open sun to wait.

Once inside we were given speakers that looked like TV remotes. There were station numbers at every space and you pushed the corresponding number. It was an easy, comfortable way to learn about the home and the people. Not quite as fun as personal tour guides but we could go at our own pace, as relaxed as we felt like. So much to see and so much to learn. History!!

First Floor: (If you watched the Hallmark BILTMORE CHRISTMAS movie this is the staircase that Lucy escaped on)

Second Floor:

Third Floor:

Fourth Floor:

Basement:

When we finished inside the house, Paul met us at the terrace – and that’s when he got his picture taken with the eye-rolling lion. He sat on the bench by the bus stops and chatted up with people coming and going. He shared that he had bought ice cream at the Biltmore Dairy Bar and pronounced it perfect!

He waited there while Kathy and I took pictures and relaxed on shady benches to take a break. Then we walked down through the wisteria pergola to the gardens. There were – again – tulips everywhere! There was a conservatory greenhouse full of beautiful plants and blooming flowers, and once section had a young lady playing playing live music and singing for the guests.

We stopped to take a picture in front of an exceptionally huge, bright azalea, and noticed a small ‘crowd’ up the pathway. We discovered that there was an unwelcome guest slithering around the grounds!

After we were done exploring the gardens, we all three boarded a bus and went back to the parking lot. The drive down the mountain was dotted with beauty – but my favorite was the azalea gardens. Every color and every size you can imagine! I loved them the best!

Tomorrow we will finish up the afternoon and evening, but I’ll just keep dreaming of the Biltmore, especially the outside of the mansion and the bright gardens! Even now, a week later, I stop and let my mind wander to the house and grounds and just smile!!

My blessing for today was another day to be outside. I pulled and dug weeds in three different spaces – the stones on the hill are the WORST! So glad that’s done.

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW April 24th is:

Administrative Professional / Secretary Day; Denim Day; Fashion Revolution Day; International Guide Dog Day; National Sheriff Day; National Pet Care for All Day; National Pigs in a Blanket Day; National Skipping Day; National Kids on the Block Day; Scream Day; World Stationery Day.

I voted today! Not many running in this election. Yesterday’s fake holiday was National Play in the Mud Day. I wore Denim today, and I’ve spent my LIFE being a secretary in some form or another. I will try not to scream… God bless.

Beautiful day! Warmer than anticipated and very sunny. After work I went outside and finished weed whacking, and since the grass really didn’t need cut again yet I pulled weeds and cleaned up 3 flower beds, with seven more to go!

Jeannette switched out my car – I only have this one – a Mazda CX 30 – a few days, then I’ll get a different one. It’s a really nice little car! Just the right size.

So – Vacation: I forgot to mention yesterday that when we left Greenville and headed to Asheville we took a very twisty, windy mountain road. We were really in the heart of the mountains, and the houses, yards, and forests reflected that. I thought it was a delightful drive but it could be scary at night or if you broke down! No pictures – almost impossible to capture the reality. I don’t remember the Route number. We were behind a tractor-trailer truck and I’m glad I wasn’t driving THAT.

Monday late afternoon and evening. We decided to take a drive over to Biltmore, even though we couldn’t get past the ticket booth. We were trying to see if Paul could wait in the Stables (those are gift shops and food places) while Kathy and I toured the home and gardens. I was excited at the Gatehouse! The flower gardens were wonderful! There were rows and rows of tulips, which are Kathy’s favorite.

Paul pulled over and Kathy and I took some photos. Some of the pictures I post are from the website and I was too enthralled to remember to take photos! When you pulled in, there was a gate house gift shop on the left, and an actual brick gatehouse to drive through. It was so cool!

We drove about a mile (maybe a bit less) up the narrow, winding road to the ticket office. We parked and went inside and got information. Paul asked every question in the BOOK and had at least three ticket clerks involved and laughing. In the end he bought a grounds pass so he could go in and sit in the Stables, chat with visitors, have ice cream, and relax.

We watched the intro movie about the history of Biltmore and it being built. The names of Frederick Law Olms (landscape artist) and Richard Morris Hunt (architect) are common names associated with the rich and famous of that century – Olms was responsible for Central Park (NY) and Hunt designed most of the Gilded Age mansions, especially in New York and Newport.

That being done, we drove back down through the gatehouse and drove to the little city park. It was very warm by now (the warmest day of our trip, in the mid-80’s) and we needed to walk off lunch. Paul parked in the shade, and Kathy and I took a few laps around the park paths. We also walked through the fountains when we could get through without getting wet! It felt good to feel the spray of the cool water.

We drove back to the motel, but really, we hadn’t had supper. Just a very late lunch. So back in the car – we drove down to the Cookout and got milk shakes. They tasted yummy and it was the perfect ending to the day. I was super excited for Tuesday and actually SEEING Biltmore house and gardens!

My friend Diane is at her vacation rental this week in the mountains – it’s such a restful, peaceful place. I hope she has a wonderful week!

My blessing for today was being outside in the fresh air and sunshine, and enjoying happy things!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 23rd is:

National Lost Dog Awareness Day; National Play in the Mud Day; National Take a Chance Day; National Talk Like Shakespeare Day; World Book Day; Slay a Dragon Day; Army Reserve Birthday; Impossible Astronaut Day; International Creator Day (in regards to the arts); London Marathon; Movie Theatre day; National Cherry Cheesecake Day; National Email Day; National English Muffin Day; National Lover’s Day; National Picnic Day.

Yesterday’s fake holiday was National Farm House Day. Tomorrow is Pennsylvania primary election day – VOTE! I love books – never slayed a dragon EXCEPT in a book. I email a lot and I like picnics. But again, VOTE! God bless…

We had an abbreviated church service this morning as today was Serve Sunday. Todd had a good lesson about the Woman at the Well – Can God forgive me? Jesus seeks us out deliberately. He gives us a 2nd chance. Our sins are buried and we are clean. He doesn’t think about them again. So we shouldn’t either. You have a chance, every day, to be who God knows you are.

So, now to vacation recap – the morning of the second day. We had spent the night in Abingdon Virginia, and were one hour and eight minutes from our next destination in Greenville TN. Before we headed out we got gas for the Jeep and got it washed – the windshield was filthy! We were greeted by a giant chicken!

We pulled into the visitor’s center about 9:30am and scheduled our tour of the homestead (17th president Andrew Johnson’s home). While we were waiting for our 11am tour, we watched the short movie about President Johnson’s life and presidency. Then we walked through the displays, including the tailor shop that he owned when he was 21 years old.

Paul drove the car down to the homestead while Kathy and I walked to the replica of Johnson’s birthplace. When he was 3 years old, his father died; later his mother placed he and his brother into service. He apprenticed as a tailor and eventually opened his own shop. He was mayor when when he was 21, and loved politics, the constitution and the country.

He was vice-president during the Civil war, and took the presidency when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. After his presidency he and his wife Eliza (who tutored him in reading and writing) moved back into their homestead. The home had been occupied by soldiers during the war and it was left in disrepair. Their daughter Martha dedicated herself to restoring the home and it looks basically today like it had then.

Johnson passed away at age 66 in 1875 and is buried in the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery, which is at the top of a rounded mountain a few miles from his homestead. He was buried with the constitution at this head and wrapped in an American flag. He spent his entire life in politics and loved his country to the very end of his life.

We left Greenville and headed to Asheville NC, where we checked into our motel, then went in search of lunch. We ate at Cornerstone, which had wonderful food in large quantities! None of us could finish our meal. The rest of Day #2 will come tomorrow!

My blessing today was to get the weed whacking done. It was very cool – in the mid-40’s – and I went through both battery packs as I finished. It took me two hours. So much yard work this time of year.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 22nd is:

April Showers Day; National Earth Day; Girl Scout Leader Appreciation Day; In God We Trust Day; National Farm House Day; National Jelly Bean Day; National Pinup Day; Passover.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Crackers Day. Hoping we DON’T have showers – I like living on the earth. And I do trust in God, every day. God bless!

We interrupt this recap of vacation to post a few pictures of being home today. I started the day by going to the bank then putting just a small amount of gas in the Hyundai. I am turning it in on Monday so I didn’t want to fill the tank.

From there I came home and ‘suited up’ for mowing. It was chilly but sunny so I knew I could handle it. The grass was high so it took a bit longer, and also took time to clean the mower after. I tried to weed whack but hadn’t gone to Hepler’s yet to get the replacement cap that holds the thread spool on, so it kept flying off. I guess that is tomorrow’s job. But the yard is much improved!

I grabbed pretzels and cheese for lunch, then picked up Autmn and Cameron. We had a fun day! I was holding him and had his teether, and he grabbed my hand. But instead of chewing the teether he was chewing my thumb – and I found his first tooth! It just broke through. We were so excited! It was good to spend time with him today. I missed seeing him!

It’s after 8:30pm and I just got back from taking them home, so this will be my post for the day. We have a shortened church service tomorrow so I should have time to get organized and pick up on the posts for vacation. Thanks for your patience!

My blessing today was spending the day with Cameron (and Autmn). He makes the day brighter.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

Tomorrow April 21st is:

Advisor Appreciation Day; Big Word Day; Go Fly A Kite Day; International Hemp Day; Keep Off The Grass Day; National Crackers Day; National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day; National Chickpea Day; National Chocolate Covered Cashews Day; National Kindergarten Day; National Tea Day; National Yellow Bat Day; Thank You For Libraries Day; National Princess Week.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Sharpie Day. And Charlie Brown would LOVE go fly a kite day. I like Chocolate Covered Cashews and tea but not a fan of big words. Never met a princess! Have a lovely Sunday and God Bless…

Getting back to reality was tough. I worked all day! And everyone was chatty and happy so it was a good – but long – day. I did not get to mow – too wet – but tomorrow IS another day!

I will start today with our vacation recap. I’ll do a little each day. So, here goes Sunday, the 14th. Kathy and Paul picked me up about 1:30pm, after church. I was packed and ready and had the house shut down and turned off. It was a chore getting everything into the car, but we did take everything but the kitchen sink! We had drinks and snacks and jackets and blankets and extra shoes and maps and phone chargers and suitcases and swim suits, and …. Well, you get it.

We drove as far as Connellsville and grabbed a quick burger at Wendy’s. We made decent time driving thanks to Paul, and got the the Comfort Inn in Abington VA about 7pm or so. We got everything inside then went across the road to Cracker Barrel for supper. We were tired and ready for bed and a good rest. It’s funny how tired you can get riding in the car most of the day!

My blessing for today is the terrific guys I work for. I’m thankful for them, every day!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 20th is:

Husband Appreciation Day; Lima Bean Respect Day; Look Alike Day; National Cheddar Fries Day; National Sharpie Day; National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day; National Stop Snoring Week; Record Store Day; Volunteer Recognition Day; National Auctioneers Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Defrost the Freezer Day – but go ahead and do it anyway. As for husband appreciation – I missed that boat! I can’t say that I’ve ever shown any respect for a Lima Bean. So — happy Saturday and God bless…

Well it’s 7:47pm on Thursday April 18th, 2024, and I am back home and settled in. It took me about 3 hours to get organized. I emptied the suitcases and bags, straightened out my finances, cleaned up the garbage, started the laundry, and put everything away. I will get something to eat (I’m spoiled now, eating every meal out for five days!), and cozy in.

Tomorrow or Saturday I will need to cut the grass – depending on the pending rain. I also need to run to work, both stores. And finish the laundry and do ironing. I think that will keep me busy for the weekend.

We had a marvelous time – and I was not ready to come home! We had such a wonderful week, and saw so many delightful things! I’ll go into detail about the trip over the next few days. Kathy’s favorite thing was the tulip beds – which were plenty! Mine were the Azalea gardens and the Jan Karon museum. Again, details over the weekend.

It’s good to be home – I love my house! – but I could have kept exploring new things and places for a few more days. Have a lovely weekend – more soon!

My blessing for today is the safe, wonderful week, and spending time with Kathy and Paul.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 19th is:

National Clean out your Medicine Cabinet Day; National Humorous Day; National Cat Lady day; National Defrost your Freezer Day; National Dog Parent Appreciation Day; National Garlic Day; National Hanging Out Day; Sylvester the Cat Birthday; National Dance Week.

On my last post, the fake national day was Red Car Day. Hanging Out Day actually encourages you to discover the benefits of hanging your laundry outside to dry. No garlic here, and I cleaned out my medicine cabinet before I left. So, happy Friday and God Bless!

What a blessing to wake up to sun shining in my window! I was up early since Paul wasn’t sure what time he was going to get here. I changed the sheets and threw them in the washer, then I went to explore the garage sale. That turned out to be nothing. Paul got here about 11am with Nicholas (his son) in tow, and sat about fixing the spring. He really put a lot of time and work into getting it installed. It works perfectly now, and is even quieter than it was. Second blessing of the day!

While Paul was working in the garage, I took inspiration from the ‘clean out your pantry’ suggestion. As is typical there were several items that had expired. I moved on to the downstairs freezer and then the upstairs freezer. Everything is so organized and roomy, and I even discovered meal ideas that I had totally forgotten about! I need to start eating that beef from Beef Day!

My next chore was to cut the grass. It was really high already. The bottom yard was pretty wet – I felt like I needed a surf board to cut near the fence. But it was just a small spot so I kept going. It’s all done and will keep the grass under control until I return.

Also my tulips are blooming!

Kathy sent me school pictures for Millie and Wyatt – so cute! Wyatt is in pre-school already!

Kelly sent me a photo of what the high waters did to their road. It’s falling into the creek! There is also a picture of Logan and Clairese volunteering for the Zach Williams Christian Concert in Wheeling. He had a great time!

I’ve already named several blessings from today. Another blessing is the feeling that comes from hard work and tasks well-completed!

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW April 14th is:

Air Force Reserve Birthday; Americas Day; Good Deeds Day; International Moment of Laughter Day; National Red Car Day; National Dolphin Day; National Donate a Book Day; National Gardening Day; National Look Up at the Sky Day; National Pecan Day; Perfume Day.

Yesterday’s fake holiday was National Take a Nap Day. Tomorrow is also leave for vacation day. THAT means that there will be no Word Garden posts until I return. If anything worthy happens I’ll share it on facebook! Have a great week – God bless!

This was my message from Diane this afternoon:

I got in touch with my cousins last night to get advise on how to proceed with the garage door. Mark told me to call Paul, as Paul always ‘knew a guy.’ And Paul does, mostly himself! He stopped this morning on his way home from work and was able to disconnect the steel cables, unhook the connecting arm, and open the garage door! I backed the car out and it will stay there until I get things squared away. He’s going to check out how to get appropriate parts and let me know.

In the meantime, it’s still raining. Big surprise.

Kelly sent pictures of their yard last night, and an update this morning. Water is back in the creek, confined in its banks. We are still to have rain today but I think the worst of it is over.

I am ushering for Bear tonight at the Civic Center – it’s a kids’ performance. I’ll post when I get home.

From the show:

Tomorrow there is the first Yard Sale of the neighborhood a few streets over. If I don’t need to take a boat I may check it out!

My blessing for today is Paul – it’s amazing how lost one feels without transportation at the fingertips! Thank you, Paul!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW April 13th is:

International Plant Appreciation Day; National Catch & Release Day; National Make Lunch Count Day; National Take a Nap Day; National Peach Cobbler Day; National Scrabble Day; National Silly Earring Day; Thomas Jefferson Day.

Yesterday’s fake holiday was National Incandescent Bulb Day. The rain and the cloudy skies are making me want to take a nap – so I should make lunch count! Caffeine and chocolate to wake me up! I love silly earrings and have a great appreciation for plants. Have a happy weekend — God bless.