Saturday, October 6, 2012

AJG 2012

Our long awaited trip began on September 30th.
Conflicts for the past two years kept us from joining
our friends as they traveled to Colorado both years.
 
 
Traveling is an adventure for both Glenn & I.
We love to travel especially in mountain areas so
we were excited to head to Asheville, NC.

 
Traveling provides great entertainment.
I'm amazed that they would charge
2-3 or 4 cents for a Toll.
Crazy!!!
 
 
We love to stay at The Grove Park Inn.
Our room was on the Historical Wing.
 
On the fifth floor of the Historical Wing
there is legend of a ghost...a mysterious Pink Lady.
Around 1920 a young lady dressed in pink
fell to her death at the hotel's Atrium.
Unexplained severe cold chills in Room 545 and
an apparition in a dense pink smoke
is said to be a very gentle spirit.
 
We didn't see the Pink Lady but
a wood-burning smoke smell briefly
permeated our room.
Made me sit up and take notice...
cuz the fire in the lobby
was a bit away from us.

 
It's always a nice time
when spent with good friends.
We enjoyed a wonderful meal,
good fellowship, and lots of fun.
The "Hookah Hook-up" store
was just funny.
Glenn turned down a "one-way" street
only to turn around. But
he was only following
the instructions of the GPS Lady.
We had a good laugh (at the Lady)!
 
 
Our program indicated that "Due to National Security...".
This was our introduction to our night's speaker.
He was "Mr. Doubletalk" Durwood Fincher
from Candid Camera.
We laughed and laughed and laughed.

 
The spouses took a tour beginning
at the Asheville Visitor Center.
We then traveled onto the
Blue Ridge Parkway towards
The Folk Art Center 
that showcases local artisans.
This is a wonderful place to find a unique gift.
 
 
Always purchase a unique remembrance.

 
Deerpark, which is located 
in a structure original to the estate,
 is an open-air courtyard
encircled by four wings.
Majestic trees and scenic vistas
provide a world away from hectic activity. 
 
Our lunch was so nice. I really enjoyed
my chocolate rosemary cake.

 
Monday was an overcast day with slight rain.
Hubby was so excited on Tuesday
when the sun shone.
It was a nice golf day.
 
 
Love eating at the Stable Courtyard.
This facility at one time housed
up to 25 horses and 20 carriages.
No longer housing horses,
the stable was transformed
into several shops and
a uniquely styled restaurant.
Actual stalls now hold dining booths,
the ambiance is quite unique, and
the food delicious.
 
 
 
We dined on the top level
and enjoyed a warm, friendly atmosphere
with a great group of friends. 
 
 
Our table, from the Alabama Pool,
always enjoys sharing time together.

 
Bob Bush, AJG
 
 
After the honoring of Bob and a wonderful meal,
we all left for a short walk to the Biltmore Home
to begin our tour of this incredible home.
 
Even though this was not my first tour
I am still amazed with the history of this estate.
 
We left our friends that evening
after "good-byes and well wishes".
For you see, my friends,
we were leaving the next morning
for our home only so I could
wash & dry a few things for my hubby's
next trip..."his trip" with the guys.
 
So I sit here in quiet solitude...absolutely loving my time
with hubby away and oh yes, son is away too.
Reflecting and remembering and
just being outright L.A.Z.Y.
 
I am grateful for...
...my marriage
...spending time with hubby on his trips,
...good friends,
...spending time with girls on his trips, and
...mountain areas (reflecting on God's nature side).
 
Thank you Lord!