We're headed to Spruce Pine to check on the mountain house. It's been quite a while since we've been up there and it's been a rough winter.
We dropped off the motor home in Garner to get some work done on it so we'll be ready to roll when the time comes.
Then off to Slade's to see the kids for a nice evening.
Sat, Mar 22
A nice drive to the mountains. The house looks good with no significant damage from the winter. We did lose a portion of one of the downspouts to the wind. I have no idea where it ended up - probably in the next county.
And of course, we lost some shingles. That's become a winter ritual.
Tonight we met Kit Truby and Bill and Judy Carson at the Grassy Creek Club for dinner. Sure is great to get with old friends and catch up.
The weather is rather pleasant.
We have new neighbors - who actually live on the mountain full time. Sonny and Barbara have sold their log cabin and a delightful young couple have moved in. Jarad and Lane Schell are from Michigan and are both in the medical field, he and anaesthesiologist and she a Physicians Assistant.
Sun, Mar 23
So much for pleasant weather. A cold front came through last night and it rained and blew most of the day - and turned cold - in the 30's.
A lazy afternoon of reading and getting ready for guests this evening.
Tonight we had Bonnie and Will, Bill and Judy, Kit and the Schell's over for dinner. We had a delightful evening getting to know our new neighbors and enjoying old friends.
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| Judy Carson, Bill Carson, Jarod Schell, Lane Schell, Kit Truby, Bonnie Schmink, Will Schmink and Clara |
Today is a work/play day. The weather is surprisingly comfortable for work outside.
The front yard has been inundated with moles. We've had this problem for the past several years, but never this bad. So I've gone to the hardware stores and collected everything that they offer to get rid of these "yard destroyers" and spread it on the lawn. Additionally, I spread fertilizer/weed killer. I've probably created a toxic waste site, but maybe the moles don't like toxic waste - and I'll have some grass left.
This afternoon I went to the Y in Marion to get a little exercise. Sure feels good.
Tonight we are invited to Bonnie and Will's for dinner. They always prepare great dinners and have a wide variety of guests. It's always fun.
Tues, Mar 25
Last night it snowed. Thank goodness it wasn't one of those cold air blast that typically comes in with the snow with 80 mph winds. It's been snowing off and on all day.
It sure makes the scenery change quickly.
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It snowed most of the day and by late tonight, the winds have started picking up a little. We've already recorded 50 mph. It got to 60 mph during the night.
Wed, Mar 26
The wind howled all night according to Clara. I slept so soundly I never heard it.
This morning the temperature was 19 degrees, but by mid-morning the wind has died down to less than 20 mph.
I went to the Y. On the way I dropped Clara off at Kit's. Kit is closing on a new condo on Grassy Creek Golf Course today and Clara wants to be with Kit to help.
Tonight, we went to our neighbors, Ed and Jan Banta for dinner. Additionally, Kit and the Schmink's were there.
Ed has an incredible view from his home.
From Ed's home, we can see our home over on the next mountain.
Tomorrow morning will be an early rise and we head back to Beaufort to get ready to leave for the Virgin Islands Monday.
