Family

I read a quote once that said something like, "Family is God's way of giving us permanent friends." While not all families are close, I am proud to boast that my family is pretty fond of each other. Danny and I had a lovely visit from our "Memphis" cousins, Jim and Pat Bledsoe, this past weekend. They had been visiting Pat's ill sister in Virginia and were able to spend the weekend with us on their return trip home. On Saturday, we were fortunate to entertain lifelong friends of Danny's, Jack and Louise Leonard, for the day. They were coming from Abingdon, Virginia, having been the night before to the Barter Theater to see Driving Miss Daisy. I jokingly told my mom we were getting a lot of Virginia backwash that weekend. Honestly, I'm extremely thrilled we are in a place they can fit into their trips and hope it becomes routine! Even if the relationships are distant cousins or no blood shared at all, it felt like a time full of family to me.

Danny was such a gracious host, taking us to lunch for soup, sandwiches, and ice cream, with a trip to the peak of Roan Mountain included. It was a clear day yet particularly windy at the summit of the Roan, so we didn't do any hiking to the most scenic overlook; if the leaves were not a bit passe, we might have been a little disappointed! Nonetheless, we admired the winding views of the route, analyzing ridgelines and designs in the land below. This is something I love about the mountains, being able to see so many locations from different perspectives. It amazes me, and I believe our guests as well, to see the dimensions of the slopes because of the shadows cast by the sun, various angles of familiar landmarks, and the difference in temperatures between sunlight and shade.

The highlight of the trip was when our tourguide decided to explore the trail, more specifically the 4-wheeler trail, that recently had been cleaned of briars and other natural debris. In other words, we were four-wheeling in a six-wheel truck! While this is not new to Danny and me, for we have taken Mama and Daddy on this same journey, we thoroughly enjoyed the reactions to the trek. Born and raised as a flat-lander, I understand the concern that must pass through people's minds as we are headed downhill directly toward the back of our house. We put a lot of trust into Danny's truck and driving ability because he is typically the one driving. We joked truthfully about the timing of Danny's mechanic work on the front right brake earlier in the week. While explaining how one "ball-hoots", or loses traction, down a mountain, we safely made it to the gate that at first seemed so far below. It was such a fun day - pausing to take pictures, laughing, and conversing. We truly enjoyed the companionship.

I love to show people the beauty of where we live, the talented work Danny accomplishes, the life we have grown into and love. I had this same opportunity last Friday as well. Wesley and Linda White, lifelong farmers and friends from Dooly County, visited us last Friday. I was able to show them a small piece of Danny's handiwork before we all ate at Times Square Diner. We hear some more farmers may be coming this weekend! What a blessing to have family and friends so many continual weekends!!

While speaking of family, last Thursday was a big day for Granny, my grandmother and only surviving grandparent. She left her home in Pinehurst, her home of so many years, to live with my aunt, Edith because of her poor health. I can't imagine how she must feel. She will be 88 in January and must be overwhelmed with her sudden change in routine. Granny caught pneumonia about three weeks ago and is having a difficult time overcoming the illness and the strength she lost. She has a nurse aide with her during the day while Aunt "Tiny" keeps a watch on her at night. I know Granny enjoys the company; I hope it lifts her spirits and enhances her health.

More family updates...My sister, Beth, threw her husband, Johnny, a surprise 50th birthday party. I hear it went really well. Wendy and Alan, my sister and her husband, were able to have a few days with Mama and Daddy. Tommy, my brother, was courting Jill, his gal. :) The Arnold family is still relishing their time with Cindi, Jonathan, and Liza. We have enjoyed several times with the Westbrook's as well - church, horseback riding, and eating. This year Danny and I will spend Thanksgiving in High Point with the Arnold family.

Cold air and gusty winds have invaded Hicks Hollow this morning. Our windmill has been spinning furiously. Danny is sick with a cold and I am fighting catching it. We've been puny at night and sleeping easily with the new time change. The dogs are enjoying their new blankets (bwankies) on the front porch; the kitty cats are enjoying the woodstove and occasional sunspots. The horses are frisky in the morning, but such angels when fed in their stalls. The cows are cows, Jill still fed in the barn and groomed twice a week. Woodsplitting is a common activity right now for Arnold Acres as we welcome in the fall weather. I'd better go stoke our fire.